Key highlights Potentially affected Rhode Islanders should change passwords, freeze credit For help, contact the call center at (833) 918-6603 Payments can still be made in person Unemployment, TDI benefits not affected Updates on cyberalert.ri.gov PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Hundreds of thousands Rhode Islanders are scrambling to secure their personal data after state programs were hacked. The state is directing people to a website — cyberalert.ri.gov — and has created a hotline for those who may be affected by the cyberattack. The hotline is (833) 918-6603 and will be available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. If a reference number is requested, it's B137035. McKee urges RI residents to act immediately after major cyberattack on state system According to officials, an international cybercriminal group breached RIBridges, an online portal for obtaining social services, including: ► Medicaid► Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)► Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)► Rhode Island Works (RIW)► General Public Assistance (GPA) Program ► Health coverage purchased through HealthSource RI► Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)► Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)  ► At HOME Cost Share The cyberattack, first announced Friday night, exposed the private data of potentially hundreds of thousands of residents who've used those programs over the past eight years. McKee said there's a "high chance" that the hackers have obtained Social Security and bank account numbers, but they don't yet know the extent of the data that was accessed. Ransomware group Brain Cipher behind RI cyberattack; claims 1 TB of data stolen State officials have since been urging Rhode Islanders to take steps to protect themselves, such as changing and strengthening their passwords. Below are five key steps to take, according to McKee's office: 1. Freeze your credit You can do so by contacting credit bureaus: Equifax: 1-888-298-0045 Experian: 1-888-397-3742 TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 2. Order a free credit report McKee's office says you should request one from the above reporting agencies, and you can also access a free credit report online. Request a free credit report 3. Place a fraud alert on your files If you're unsure how to do this, you can ask one of the credit bureaus for help, according to McKee's office. "This is free, and it lets creditors know to contact you before any new accounts can be opened in your name," McKee's office added. 4. Use multi-factor authentication Multi-factor, or two-factor, authentication makes it harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts by requiring a verification code when you log in. You should also not only change, but strengthen your passwords. While complex passwords are good, experts say the longer the a password is, the better. 5. Be aware McKee's office warned to never share passwords and personal information like birthdays and Social Security numbers through an unsolicited call, text or email. Legitimate companies will not request information that way. RELATED: Deloitte hit with class action lawsuits over RIBridges cyberattack The state is working with several agencies to conduct outreach and make sure Rhode Island residents, specifically older adults, know what they need to do to protect themselves. Officials said they're increasing staffing at the call center in an effort to reduce wait times, and the R.I. Department of Human Services has extended its office hours in Providence and Pawtucket to 4–7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. What about my health insurance? HealthSource RI (HSRI) Director Lindsay Lang said existing 2024 coverage is not affected by the breach, so customers can still access their health insurance for appointments and prescriptions. The open enrollment period for 2025 runs through Jan. 31. Those who enrolled and paid by Dec. 12 are all set for next year, according to Lang. Anyone who needs to make a payment for 2025 coverage can do so in person or over the phone at 1-855-840-4774, since those transactions are processed by a separate vendor. There's a 24-hour dropbox available at 401 Wampanoag Trail in East Providence, and payments can also be made at standalone CVS locations. (Those located inside stores like Target are excluded.) As for those who still need to sign up for 2025 coverage, there are steps you can take to prepare for when the system comes back online. Lang said HSRI staff can review the different plan options and answer questions about cost, eligibility and the application process. The HSRI system for employers is secure and up and running, Lang said. However, since it was hosted on RIBridges until 2019, Deloitte is trying to figure out if there are any impacts from the breach. Anyone who is affected will get notified by mail. Unemployment and temporary disability insurance (TDI) benefits are not affected, according to Lang. Assisting the elderly Officials said they're working with senior centers and other trusted community partners to get the word out to older adults and provide any help they may need. Anyone with questions can call the R.I. Office of Healthy Aging at (401) 462-4444. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News SIGN UP NOW