2 Public Wastewater Facilities Hit By Ransomware Attack

Exploit: Ransomware
Company: Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Industry: Government, Municipal
Sources: https://bangordailynews.com/2021/08/15/news/in-a-first-for-maine-ransomware-hackers-hit-2-public-wastewater-plants/

Cyber criminals continue to victimize government infrastructure targets as hackers recently deployed consecutive ransomware attacks on two public wastewater plants in Maine.

While officials are stating that the attacks were “fairly minor” the Department of Environmental Protection warned municipalities and water-sector professionals to remain vigilante. Although there was initial concern after the attacks, there appears to be “no threat to the public, no violation, no excursion, no health and safety threat.” Fortunately, there was no disruption interrupting treatment operations or damaging any other systems.

Staff at the facility reported the breach to have taken place on an outdated computer running Windows 7, resulting in their office computers being down for three days. The office systems have since been restored with no major repercussions. State employees further commented saying no ransom was paid as no personal information was compromised.

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