Disability Services of the Southwest

Disability Services of the Southwest (also known as DSSW) provides disability services with a focus on employment and training support. The organization operates an employment and training website that serves applicants seeking job opportunities. Through this platform, it collects applicant details such as names, contact information, and job preferences. It also maintains records for current and former employees, including addresses, employee IDs, and training data. Its headquarters is located in the United States of America. The core mission centers on assisting individuals with disabilities in gaining skills and employment.

In September 2022, DSSW experienced a ransomware attack that targeted its employment and training website. During the brief system access, unauthorized actors encrypted files on the site. While no evidence confirmed data theft, potentially compromised information included applicant details and employee data such as addresses, IDs, and training records. Sensitive financial data and Social Security numbers were reported to remain secure because they were stored separately. The organization reported the incident to federal authorities, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Following the attack, DSSW enhanced its defenses by implementing verified anti‑ransomware software and updating its backup infrastructure.