On the morning of May 7, 2019, Baltimore’s city government was paralyzed by a ransomware attack that disrupted municipal services and incurred over $19 million in damages. The attackers deployed the RobinHood ransomware, encrypting critical systems and demanding a ransom of 13 bitcoins (approximately $76,000 at the time). City officials refused to pay, leading to prolonged outages affecting real estate transactions, billing systems, and communication platforms. The recovery process extended over several months, highlighting significant vulnerabilities in the city’s IT infrastructure.
In May 2025, Iranian national Sina Gholinejad pleaded guilty to orchestrating this and other ransomware attacks across the United States. Operating under the alias “Sina Ghaaf,” Gholinejad and his co-conspirators utilized the RobbinHood ransomware to target multiple municipalities, including Greenville, North Carolina, and Yonkers, New York. Their operations involved encrypting files on victim networks and demanding ransom payments, causing widespread service disruptions and financial losses.
The Baltimore Ransomeware Attack in 2019 indicates the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures, including regular system updates, employee training, and comprehensive disaster recovery plans. Organizations are encouraged to assess their current security protocols and consult with cybersecurity experts to fortify their defenses against such threats.
What Has Happened Actually?
Back in May 2019, something serious went down in Baltimore. The city’s computers, thousands of them, just stopped working. It wasn’t a glitch or some random bug this was a full-blown cyberattack. Hackers slipped in a nasty piece of ransomware called “RobbinHood.” They locked up the city’s files, encrypted everything, and left a chilling note: pay us 13 bitcoins about $76,000 or everything stays locked. Imagine that. The city couldn’t send emails, people couldn’t pay their water bills, sell homes, or even contest parking tickets. Everything froze.
Now here’s the part that really stings Baltimore refused to pay. Brave, yes, but expensive. The city had to rebuild everything, bit by bit. And in the end? They spent over $18 million trying to clean it up. Not just fixing systems, but lost revenue, outside experts, and emergency upgrades. It was like having to rebuild your entire house because someone changed the locks. That’s how real this cyberwarfare is and most people don’t even know how close it came to collapsing basic city services.
How did Baltimore Ransomeware Attack in 2019 happen?
The attackers didn’t storm the gates they slipped in quietly through a weakness. Baltimore’s network wasn’t fully patched. There were known vulnerabilities, particularly in older Windows systems doors left unlocked. The hackers used RobbinHood ransomware, which doesn’t spread like wildfire across the internet. It moves carefully, crawling inside once it’s in, and then boom locks everything down.
They likely got in through phishing or exploiting open ports. Once inside, they gained administrative privileges. This let them turn off antivirus and backup systems. Silent, precise. Then came the attack files got encrypted one by one. Key city departments real estate, emergency services, and billing systems froze. Emails stopped. The ransom note appeared on screens, asking for Bitcoin to unlock everything. No noise. No warning.
The city’s IT wasn’t fully prepared. Backups were incomplete or hard to restore quickly. And communication became chaos. For weeks, staff had to use personal email accounts and handwritten notes like it was 1995. This wasn’t just about stealing data. It was a hostage situation digital and real.
Behind it? One name eventually surfaced: Sina Gholinejad, an Iranian hacker. He later pled guilty. But experts believe he wasn’t working alone. He was likely part of a larger cybercrime network, maybe tied to a criminal-for-hire group that offers ransomware as a service.
The lesson? It didn’t take a high-tech army. Just a crack in the wall, a few missed updates, and someone quietly watching waiting for the right moment to strike.
Step-by-step workflow:
Let’s walk through exactly how the 2019 Baltimore ransomware attack unfolded step by step. I’ll explain it like I’m right next to you, showing you how it happened in real life. Here’s the workflow behind the attack, broken down clearly.
🟩 Step 1: Finding a Way In (Initial Access)
The attackers first looked for vulnerabilities in Baltimore’s public-facing systems. Reports suggest the city was using outdated versions of Windows software and had open ports exposed to the internet especially Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) ports. These are like digital doorways into the network. The attackers, likely through brute-force password guessing or using stolen credentials, gained remote access to city systems. Alternatively, they may have used phishing emails to trick staff into clicking malicious links or downloading malware opening the door from the inside.
🟩 Step 2: Privilege Escalation & Disabling Defenses
Once inside, they didn’t immediately strike. They quietly explored. They escalated their access meaning they found ways to become “admin-level” users. That gave them full control over multiple systems. Then, they disabled security tools like antivirus software and shut down any backup solutions they found. This part is crucial by turning off defenses and wiping out backup paths, they made sure recovery would be hard or even impossible. It’s like cutting the phone lines before a heist.
🟩 Step 3: Payload Delivery Launching RobbinHood
Then came the real blow. They unleashed the RobinHood ransomware. This malware began encrypting files locking up everything from city records to email systems. Each affected computer showed a ransom note demanding Bitcoin (about $100,000 in value at the time). The attackers warned the ransom would increase if not paid quickly and that files would be lost forever if any recovery attempt was made without their permission. The encryption was strong breaking it wasn’t an option.
🟩 Step 4: Holding the City Hostage
With more than 10,000 government computers locked and critical services disabled, the city went into digital lockdown. Real estate transactions stopped. Parking ticket systems failed. Emails went silent. Employees resorted to pen and paper. This state of paralysis lasted weeks. The city chose not to pay the ransom a bold move but it came at a price. IT teams scrambled to rebuild systems from scratch. Some systems were offline for months.
🟩 Step 5: Tracing the Attack Attribution
For years, the attacker remained unknown. Then in 2025, Iranian hacker Sina Gholinejad was charged and later pleaded guilty. U.S. prosecutors revealed he operated under aliases like “The Skilled” and had helped develop and deploy the RobbinHood ransomware. He wasn’t acting alone he was part of a criminal enterprise specializing in ransomware-for-hire services. That means cities like Baltimore were just one of many targets for a global profit-driven cybercrime operation.
🟩 Key Takeaways from the Workflow:
- The breach started from weak entry points open RDP ports and outdated systems.
- No MFA (multi-factor authentication) or patch management gave attackers free movement.
- RobinHood was used strategically not just to steal but to disable and demand.
- The lack of clean, recent, and accessible backups made recovery slow and painful.
- Attribution came years later showing how long cybercrime can stay in the shadows.
This wasn’t a random attack. It was planned, patient, and quietly devastating. The workflow shows us exactly how one unpatched system and one distracted click can bring an entire city to its knees.
Who was behind it?
Let me tell you who was really behind it all…
His name is Sina Gholinejad. A 37-year-old Iranian hacker, quietly operating under the alias “The Skilled.” He wasn’t just some lone guy in a dark room. He was smart, patient, and deeply embedded in cybercriminal networks. What’s chilling is he knew exactly what he was doing. He helped develop and deploy a nasty piece of ransomware called RobbinHood. And Baltimore? That was just one target out of many. He and his group focused on U.S. cities because they knew local governments often had weak cybersecurity. Outdated software. No backups. No proper defense. Easy prey.
He launched the ransomware from abroad, knowing it would take time for anyone to trace it back to him. For years, he stayed hidden no trace, no face. But law enforcement didn’t forget. Eventually, in January 2025, U.S. officials arrested him. They had been quietly gathering digital breadcrumbs tracking crypto wallets, IP addresses, and aliases. When they finally caught him, the world learned the full story.
Sina now faces up to 30 years in prison. But what’s scary is that he wasn’t alone. He was part of a broader cybercrime network that offered ransomware-as-a-service. Meaning he gave others the tools and playbook to launch their own attacks. He turned hacking into a business. And cities like Baltimore paid the price.
So, when you think about ransomware, it’s not just code. It’s people. Skilled. Strategic. And hiding in the dark.
Consequences and the Financial Mess
First, the city of Baltimore was hit hard. The ransomware froze many city services things we all rely on every day like paying bills, accessing court systems, even emergency responses. The city’s IT systems were crippled. They couldn’t access important data or run essential programs. Fixing this wasn’t cheap or quick. Baltimore had to spend millions on rebuilding their IT infrastructure, hiring cybersecurity experts, and restoring lost data. Some estimates say the cost topped $18 million, and that’s just the direct financial hit.
Indirectly, the city’s reputation took a huge blow. Journalists picked up on how vulnerable a major U.S. city was, and citizens lost trust in their government’s ability to protect their data and services. Politicians faced tough questions, and the attack stirred concerns about national security, especially since an Iranian hacker was involved. This wasn’t just a local problem it became part of a bigger political conversation about cyber warfare and international tensions.
Now, what about the individuals who are affected?!
While this wasn’t a direct theft of personal data like some breaches, the impact trickled down to people’s everyday lives. Delays in city services meant people struggled with paying utility bills or accessing court information. Some even faced disrupted social services. Plus, the attack raised alarms everywhere making people more aware of how vulnerable their data and services really are. It was a wake-up call that even big cities can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, and everyone should be more careful. For many, the fear of identity theft or losing access to vital services created real stress and anxiety. It showed how connected and dependent we all are on technology and how fragile that connection can be when cybercriminals strike.
So, the consequences were big, real, and still felt today both financially and personally.
Lessons we have learned from it
Look, this Baltimore ransomware attack taught us some really tough lessons lessons that everyone, whether a big city or just a regular person, needs to take seriously. I want to share some thoughts with you like I’m talking to a friend who’s worried about their own safety online.
First, keeping your systems updated is absolutely critical. Many attacks happen because people or organizations ignore or delay software updates and security patches. It’s like leaving your front door wide open and hoping no one walks in. Updates often fix known security holes, and skipping them is basically inviting hackers inside.
Second, having a strong, layered cybersecurity strategy isn’t just for big companies. It means combining firewalls, antivirus, intrusion detection, data backups, and regular security audits. Just one weak spot can bring everything down. Baltimore’s attack showed how devastating it is when a city’s entire digital backbone is compromised.
Third, and maybe most important, people need to be educated. Employees, users, and anyone who uses tech should understand the risks and know how to spot suspicious activity. A careless click or weak password can ruin everything. The human factor is often the weakest link in cybersecurity.
So, what should you do right now?
- Always install updates and patches promptly.
- Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication.
- Back up your important data regularly, so you’re ready if something goes wrong.
- Learn to recognize phishing emails and suspicious links.
- If you’re responsible for any system, insist on regular security training.
- And lastly, don’t wait until a crisis happens be proactive about protecting yourself and your data.
Remember, cybersecurity isn’t just a tech issue; it’s a daily habit. Take it seriously, or you might wake up one day locked out or worse. Stay safe, stay updated.
Summary: What You Must Do to Protect Yourself
- Keep all software and devices updated.
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
- Regularly back up your data to separate, secure locations.
- Educate yourself and others about phishing and cyber threats.
- Implement layered security measures if you manage systems.
- Stay proactive don’t wait for an attack to take action.
What you should do to protect your company
Alright, after everything we’ve talked about, there are some key tools and services that can really help protect you or your organization from attacks like the Baltimore ransomware incident. Let me break down a few important ones:
1. Endpoint Security
This is about protecting all the devices connected to your network like laptops, desktops, and servers. Hackers often find their way in through vulnerable endpoints. Good endpoint security stops malware and ransomware before it spreads. For cases like Baltimore, where the attack started by exploiting weak points, strong endpoint security is critical.
Recommended service: Hoplon Infosec’s advanced endpoint protection can help you lock down these entry points.
2. Mobile Security
We all use smartphones and tablets, and these devices can be just as vulnerable as computers. Mobile security protects against malicious apps, phishing, and unauthorized access on your mobile devices. Especially with remote work increasing, securing mobiles is a must.
Recommended service: Hoplon Infosec offers mobile security solutions tailored for modern mobile threats.
3. ISO Certification and AI Management System
Achieving ISO certification shows that your organization follows strict international security standards. Combining that with AI-based management helps detect and respond to threats faster than ever. This is more for organizations wanting a structured and smart security framework.
4. Deep and Dark Web Monitoring
Attackers often sell stolen data on the dark web. Monitoring these hidden areas can alert you if your data is compromised before it’s misused. This service is vital for early detection of leaks and threats lurking in places you don’t normally see.
If I had to pick the most related service to prevent something like the Baltimore ransomware attack, Endpoint Security would be the key. It’s the frontline defense stopping ransomware from infiltrating your network.
Final Thoughts
Cyberattacks are growing smarter and more damaging every day. Protecting yourself isn’t optional anymore it’s essential. Using a combination of strong endpoint security, mobile protection, compliance certifications, and dark web monitoring can build a solid defense.
Don’t wait until you’re the next victim. Take action now. If you want expert help, book a consultancy schedule with Hoplon Infosec. Their team can assess your risks and build a customized plan to keep you safe. Because in cybersecurity, being prepared is everything.
Stay safe, stay smart.
Resources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Baltimore_ransomware_attack
https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/baltimore-ransomware/
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/iranian-man-pleads-guilty-us-2019-baltimore-ransomware-attack-2025-05-27/
https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/articles/s/lessons-from-the-robbinhood-ransomware-attack-on-baltimore/
https://statescoop.com/baltimore-ransomware-crowdstrike-extortion/
https://n2ws.com/blog/aws-disaster-recovery/baltimore-ransomware-attack
https://dig.watch/updates/iranian-hacker-admits-role-in-baltimore-ransomware-attack
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/22/us/baltimore-ransomware.html
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/iranian-man-pleads-guilty-in-us-to-2019-baltimore-ransomware-attack
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-48380662
https://therecord.media/iranian-years-decades-guilty-ransomware
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202505283807
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-05-27/iranian-man-pleads-guilty-in-us-to-2019-baltimore-ransomware-attack
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/05/28/iranian-baltimore-ransomware-attack-sina-gholinejad/83891617007/
https://www.businessinsurance.com/iranian-man-pleads-guilty-to-2019-baltimore-ransomware-attack/
https://thehackernews.com/2025/05/iranian-hacker-pleads-guilty-in-19.html
https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/baltimore-ransomware-attack-hacker-plea-RZYA2C33LBHFHHP2RE2NTZWIQU/
