[BreachExchange] Five weeks in, New Bedford still recovering from computer virus

[Destry Winant]

https://www.southcoasttoday.com/news/20190809/five-weeks-in-new-bedford-still-recovering-from-computer-virus

NEW BEDFORD — Five weeks after a virus hit New Bedford’s municipal
computer system, the server network has been completely rebuilt, city
spokesman Jonathan Carvalho said Friday.

Information technology staff are still working with vendors to restore software.

Computers have been restored at the majority of work stations, and the
rest will be done soon, he said.

City officials have refused to say whether the system was hit with
ransomware, a type of malware that can lock files and demand payment
to unlock them.

New Bedford is not the only local municipality to be hit with attacks
on its computer system. Newport school department officials have
confirmed that the Rogers High School and Thompson Middle School were
hit this week with potential malware.

Carvalho said essential New Bedford services are operating, including
public safety, schools, trash pickup, recycling, water, wastewater,
and transactions at the treasurer’s office and other departments that
typically interact with the public.

The city has strengthened its network security, he said.