Manhasset 2021_10_22

Serving Manhasset, Munsey Park, North Hills, Plandome Heights, Plandome Manor, Plandome and Flower Hill

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Friday, October 22, 2021

Vol. 9, No. 43

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION OF NASSAU COUNTY PAGES S1-S56

SAFETY FIRST

JACOBS IN HOT WATER

CURRAN, BLAKEMAN GO HEAD TO HEAD

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Hackers attempted to extort funds: district S.S. and driver’s license numbers published to dark web BY R OB E RT PELAEZ Sensitive information including Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers from the Manhasset school district was published to the dark web by hackers who attempted to extort funds from the district, officials said in a letter to residents on Monday. District officials said that hackers, who caused a network shutdown in September, attempted to get the district to pay a ransom to not post

the information. The district, officials said, did not pay the undisclosed ransom amount since they were able to restore the computer system from backup files. Acting Superintendent Gaurav Passi said during an Oct. 7 Board of Education meeting that ransomware was discovered in the district’s system. District officials warned those affected to monitor their finances and credit reports. Efforts to reach district officials for further comment were unavailing. More than a month af-

ter the district’s computer network disruption, Passi confirmed at the board meeting that a “malicious actor” claimed to have stolen data from the district and the investigation was ongoing. He said the district was able to restore data from backup systems and “significant progress” has been made in the investigation. “Our district is the victim of a criminal act and we’ll continue to work with law enforcement and our experts and see this matter through to completion,” Passi said. “We Continued on Page 44

GOPers OK county budget amendments Nicolello says $3.5B plan will help taxpayers wallets PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MANHASSET SCHOOL DISTRICT

Shelter Rock students were visited by members of the Plandome Fire Department to learn about fire safety.

BY R OB E RT PELAEZ The Nassau County Legislature passed a $3.5 billion budget and several amendments proposed by Republican officials on Monday. All 11 Republican members, who make up the majority, voted in favor of the budget

along with amendments that call for eliminating various fees and cut taxes by an additional $50 million. The eight members of the minority caucus abstained from voting, according to a news release. Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park) urged County Executive Laura Curran, a Democrat, to

approve the budget and the amendments to ease the stress on taxpayers’ wallets. “The Budget passed today included amendments made by the Republican Majority that will cut taxes, eliminate fees, and provide much needed lasting financial relief for working class Nassau County residents,” Continued on Page 35

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