News Sickle Arrow

Sacramento, CA – A well-known Sacramento law firm, which represents police officers and deputies, has filed a lawsuit against a computer company for over $1 million. The law firm, Mastagni Holstedt, claims it suffered a ransomware attack after hiring the company, Lantech LLC, for cybersecurity services. The lawsuit was lodged in Sacramento Superior Court this week, accusing Lantech of failing to protect their data, resulting in the law firm having to pay a ransom to unlock their files.

When contacted, an office manager at Lantech, who chose to remain unnamed, refused to comment about the ongoing lawsuit. The suit also mentions the former owner of Lantech, Terry Berg, and another company, Acronis Inc., which provides backup data storage. Lantech did not reply to an email asking for comments, and Acronis has denied any involvement in the cybersecurity breach.

Read also: SACRAMENTO’S BEER ELITE GATHER FOR STATE’S LARGEST CRAFT BEER COMPETITION

The founder of Mastagni Holstedt, Davis Mastagni, has not made any comments regarding the lawsuit. According to the suit, the cybersecurity breach was carried out by a Russian-speaking hacker group known as “Black Basta.” This group, first identified in early 2022, is reportedly responsible for many ransomware attacks, forcing companies to pay out over $100 million to recover stolen data.

“In its first two weeks alone, at least 20 victims were posted to its leak site, a Tor site known as Basta News,” according to a March 2023 “threat profile” by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department’s Office of Information Security. “It exclusively targets large organizations in the construction and manufacturing industries, but was also observed to target other critical infrastructure, including the health and public health sector.

“While primarily targeting organizations within the United States, its operators also expressed interest in attacking other English-speaking countries’ organizations in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Threat actors that used the ransomware have additionally impacted organizations based in the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, and the Netherlands.”

According to a Reuters report from November, the group known as “Black Basta” has stolen at least $107 million in bitcoin from its victims. The Mastagni law firm, which represents law enforcement officers facing disciplinary actions or criminal charges, mentioned in their lawsuit that they chose Lantech for cybersecurity after explaining their business’s critical need for secure computer networks and data.

The contract with Lantech required the company to handle cloud-based backups of the firm’s servers and data, the lawsuit states.

Read also: SOCIAL MEDIA FEUD ENDS IN TRAGIC MURDER, TWO MEN CONVICTED IN SACRAMENTO

“On February 24, 2023, Plaintiff began to experience connectivity issues when its employees tried to log into the firm’s terminal servers,” the suit says.

The Mastagni firm notified Lantech, which reported that “the problem had been resolved,” but computer network difficulties continued, the suit says.

“On February 26, 2023, plaintiff suffered a major outage of its servers and computer network which resulted in the loss of access to its servers and data,” the suit says. “Plaintiff reported the outage to Lantech and it was ultimately determined that Plaintiff’s cybersecurity, for which Lantech was responsible, was breached and that malicious ransomware had been installed blocking access to plaintiff’s servers and data.

“Thereafter, a ransom demand was made by a group known as Black Basta for plaintiff to recover access to its data.”

The law firm attempted to recover its data through Acronis “but discovered that its data backup had been deleted,” the lawsuit says.

“As a result, plaintiff was unable to restore its computer network with the data backup and eventually was forced to pay a ransom to the hackers to regain access to its data,” the suit says. “Even though defendants Lantech and Berg were aware that plaintiff’s network was experiencing a cybersecurity attack and that plaintiff was concerned about the security of its data, they failed to take steps to prevent the deletion of the cloud-based backup of plaintiff’s data which they had arranged with Acronis.”

In a statement to The Sacramento Bee, Acronis said it was not responsible for the law firm’s computer problems.

“As a cyberprotection company, we take security very seriously,” the company said in an email. “No Acronis systems or networks were compromised.

“Acronis and its partner deny any responsibility for what happened to the law firm’s systems and its data. Our investigation revealed that access credentials may have been compromised outside of our systems and used to delete the firm’s backups and execute a ransomware attack.

“Password protection is the responsibility of the customer. Acronis has not been served with the lawsuit and will not be commenting further on this litigation.”

Read also: PANCAKE PARADISE: SACRAMENTO’S BELOVED CIRCUS-THEMED DINER THRIVES AMIDST NEW OWNERSHIP

The lawsuit does not detail how much was paid in the ransom or how the payment was made. However, it accuses Lantech of negligence and breach of contract, and seeks damages exceeding $1 million. The cyberattack led to significant economic losses for Mastagni, including the ransom needed to regain data and access to their servers. Additional costs included fees for ransom negotiation and hiring computer security experts to manage and repair the damage to their network.

Sacramento, CA – In the vast expanse of California, over 1,200 craft brewers churn out a whopping $10 billion into the economy yearly. Last Thursday marked the kickoff of the fiercely contested craft beer championship in Sacramento. 65 beer aficionados, the cream of the crop, gather to assess contenders vying for the prestigious title in the state’s beer scene.

“This is the largest beer competition in California and one of the largest in the nation,” said Ryan Compagna, brewmaster at Touchstone Brewery Co. in Sacramento.

Kristen Madigan, among the discerning judges, emphasizes the weight of their responsibility in determining the ultimate winners in categories like Brewery of the Year and Best in Show.

“There is definitely pressure on us to make sure that we’re judging them properly,” she said.

“When they’re excellent beers, it’s hard to differentiate which is the best of them,” Brewers Cup judge David Teckem said.

Compagna said winning the gold medal can really boost beer sales.

“Retailers out there are saying, ‘I want the best IPA, I want the best pilsner,’ ” he said.

This comes amidst a backdrop of escalating competition in the alcohol market, where craft brewers strive to stand out. Sacramento’s brewing legacy, tracing back to the gold rush era, still thrives, sourcing hops, malt, and barley from the local Central Valley, giving Sacramento brewers a distinctive edge.

Read also: SOCIAL MEDIA FEUD ENDS IN TRAGIC MURDER, TWO MEN CONVICTED IN SACRAMENTO

“Maybe it’s not farm-to-fork. It’s more farm to glass, but it’s the same concept,” Compagna said.

Winners of the Brewers Cup awards will be presented in a ceremony at Sacramento’s Crest Theater on March 13.

Sacramento, CA – In Sacramento County, two men were convicted for the murder of another man following an argument over social media. This incident led to their sentencing last week; one received 75 years to life and the other 50 years to life in prison. According to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the dispute involved Elijah Utsey and the deceased, Terrance Hanes, which escalated from a social media disagreement beginning on July 1, 2022.

Utsey had threatened Hanes on Instagram, stating, “On everything I love I will leave you slumped.” By July 4, Hanes was discovered deceased from gunshot wounds. Investigators found 17 shell casings at the scene, indicating shots were fired from two different firearms, and Hanes had been hit over ten times. Although the guns were never recovered, it was known that Utsey had previously visited Hanes’ home and had gone there again on the day of the murder with Joshua Berry.

Security footage captured Utsey and Berry arriving at Hanes’ residence in Berry’s red Mitsubishi, entering the home, and shortly after, gunshots were heard. The men were then seen running back to the vehicle and fleeing the scene. Following the murder, both men changed their phones and numbers. Berry also stopped using his Mitsubishi, and Utsey told friends on social media that he needed to change his gun.

On August 17, 2023, a jury found them guilty of first-degree murder and additional charges, including evidence that both had used firearms during the crime and that Utsey had a previous felony conviction for first-degree burglary. Consequently, Utsey was sentenced to 75 years to life in prison, and Berry received a sentence of 50 years to life.

Sacramento, CA – February often feels like a tough month for many people. In places like New York City, the weather is usually cold and gloomy. The initial excitement of the new year starts to fade, and many experience a dip in mood, often due to seasonal depression which tends to peak during these midwinter days.

If you’re looking for a change of pace, why not plan a trip to Sacramento? While it might not be the first place you think of, Sacramento has a lot to offer. It enjoys all four seasons and has a variety of cultural attractions that aren’t usually overcrowded. It also features a surprisingly varied food scene and is generally more affordable than other popular Californian cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Basically, any time is a good time to visit Sacramento.

Read also: PANCAKE PARADISE: SACRAMENTO’S BELOVED CIRCUS-THEMED DINER THRIVES AMIDST NEW OWNERSHIP

Where to stay in Sacramento

Opened in 2021, The Fort Sutter Hotel in Sacramento is part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which includes unique boutique hotels known for excellent service and competitive prices. Situated in Midtown near the Sutter Medical Center, this 105-room hotel was developed by Stacy and her late husband Randy Paragary, a well-loved local restaurateur who passed away shortly after the hotel opened. The couple envisioned Fort Sutter as more than just a hotel; they wanted it to be a community space where locals and visitors could enjoy high-quality food and drinks in a friendly environment that also supports local artists. To this end, Stacy worked with Groundswell Art, a local art consultancy, to showcase both rotating and permanent art installations throughout the hotel, including an eye-catching macramé piece in the lobby.

The hotel’s rooms and suites are designed with comfort in mind, featuring essentials like comfortable beds with crisp linens, spacious desks, and smart storage options. The hotel’s Cafe Bernardo offers a laid-back setting where you can grab a coffee and pastry to go, or sit down for a meal like the Quinoa & Roasted Vegetables salad and small pizzas that are light yet satisfying. Additionally, Four Palms, a vibrant new lounge at the hotel, serves a full menu along with a great selection of California wines and creative cocktails inspired by famous global hotels. The service is friendly, with bartenders like Alexia, who is always ready to recommend her favorite local spots.

Read also: SACRAMENTO LAW FIRM SUES CYBERSECURITY COMPANY OVER $1 MILLION RANSOMWARE ATTACK

Where to eat in Sacramento

Just a short walk away is Paragary’s, a celebrated restaurant that has been offering fresh California cuisine, including must-try handmade pastas, since 1983. Recognized as a James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant in 2022, it’s definitely worth stopping by for at least a cocktail and a small dish at the bar. Nearby, Mikuni is popular for its well-crafted sushi, affordable prices, and excellent lunch deals. For those seeking a more refined sushi dining experience, Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine is the place to go. Binchoyaki, also a James Beard nominee, serves up unique dishes such as Japanese noodle soups, rice bowls, and their signature Arabiki corn dogs. Saigon Alley Kitchen & Bar offers a blend of traditional and modern Vietnamese dishes, while Pizzasaurus Rex is known for its crispy rectangular pizzas that pair perfectly with their special Dino Sauce, making them some of the best in Sacramento.

What to do in Sacramento

The Crocker Art Museum, housed in a historic 1869 Victorian mansion and the Teel Pavilion, stands out for its extensive collection of Californian art and as one of the nation’s oldest public art institutions. Currently, the museum features the “Black Artists in America” exhibit, running through May 19, which focuses on themes of inequality and identity in the art world, showcasing mid-century works by African American artists like Alma Thomas and Romare Bearden.

Read also: SACRAMENTO’S BEER ELITE GATHER FOR STATE’S LARGEST CRAFT BEER COMPETITION

While visiting a state capitol building might not be on everyone’s list, Capitol Park is exceptional with its 40 acres of majestic heritage trees and vibrant gardens, and entry to the park, museum, and capitol building is free. Lastly, the Old Sacramento Waterfront, a national historic landmark, offers a nostalgic look back to the Gold Rush era with its 19th-century buildings, quirky shops, and views of the Sacramento River.