[BreachExchange] Mass. Steamship Authority Hit by Ransomware Attack; Ferries Delayed

[Sophia Kingsbury]

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/mass-steamship-authority-delayed-due-to-cyber-attack/2395477/

A ransomware attack on the Steamship Authority of Massachusetts hampered
operations Wednesday morning.

The largest ferry service to the islands of Martha's Vineyard and
Nantucket, the Steamship Authority issued a statement warning that
traveling customers may be delayed as a result.

"The Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority was
the target of a ransomware attack early Wednesday, June 2, 2021," the
company said. "The Authority continues to work internally, as well as with
federal, state and local authorities, to determine the extent and origin of
the attack."

A "team of IT professionals" is working to assess the impact of the cyber
attack, according to the authority.

The Steamship Authority said "there is no impact to the safety of vessel
operations," as the issue does not affect radar or GPS functionality.
Scheduled trips to both islands continue to operate, with delays possible
related to the ticketing process.

Customers are currently unable to book or change reservations online or by
phone. Cash is preferred for all transactions on Wednesday, the authority
added.

The attack comes just days after Massachusetts lifted its COVID-19 pandemic
restrictions and mask mandate and right at the start of the state's summer
tourism season.

The Steamship Authority said additional information will be provided as it
becomes available.

Ransomware attacks involve malware that encrypts files on a device or
network that results in the system becoming inoperable. Criminals behind
these types of cyberattacks typically demand a ransom in exchange for the
release of data.

Several major U.S. companies have been victims of cyberattacks recently.

JBS Foods, a major meat processing company, said this week it had been
affected by a cyberattack that shut down processing plants in North America
and Australia.

A cyberattack last month on the Colonial Pipeline, the largest U.S. fuel
pipeline, forced its closure and led to long lines and panic buying at gas
stations in the Southeast.
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