US Homeland Security and the FBI are investigating what the Port of San Diego calls a “serious cybersecurity incident”, according to a statement.
The Port first received reports of the disruption suffered by its information technology system on September 25, but insists cargo safety and traffic have not been affected.
It responded by mobilizing a team of industry experts and local, regional, state and federal authorities to minimize the impact, with an emphasis on public safety systems.
According to Reuters, the Port has received a ransom note from the attackers demanding payment in Bitcoin, although no comment has been made on this matter.
Port of San Diego Releases Additional Information on Cybersecurity Incident | Port of San Diego https://t.co/m3x10J4EPo
— Port of San Diego (@portofsandiego) September 27, 2018
Randa Coniglio, CEO of the Port of San Diego, commented: “The Port of San Diego continues to investigate a serious cybersecurity incident that has disrupted the agency's information technology systems, and the Port's investigation so far has determined that ransomware was involved in this attack.
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“As previously stated, the Port has mobilized a team of industry experts and local, regional, state and federal partners to minimize impacts and restore system functionality, with priority placed on public safety-related systems.
“The team is currently determining the extent and timing of the incident and the amount of damage to information technology resources, and developing a plan for recovery.
“The Harbor Police Department continues to use alternative systems and procedures in place to minimize impacts to public safety.
“No further information is available at this time; updates will be provided as information is available”.
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