Massachusetts Steamship Authority Hit by Ransomware: Operations Interrupted
The Massachusetts Steamship Authority was a target of a ransomware attack, disrupting the normal flow of services and also hampering with the ticketing process.
The company notified about the attack saying that the interruption of services is expected to last for 24 hours. “The Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority has been the target of a ransomware attack that is affecting operations,” said the Steamship Authority in their social media post. The company’s website, which facilitates passengers’ reservations, was also seen offline for a brief time on the day of the attack. The attack, however, did not interfere with the GPS functionality. “Scheduled trips to both islands continue to operate, although customers may experience some delays during the ticketing process,” said the company in their statement.
The attack forced the Steamship Authority to regularize transactions as cash-only, albeit for a brief time saying that the credit card facility for multiple verticals in the company was limited and that “to avoid delays on Thursday, cash is likely the best option for ticketing and parking.” Since the company’s website went offline, the customers faced difficulty in rescheduling or booking vehicle reservations. The company did, however, provide some relaxation in rescheduling or cancellation fees saying that “existing vehicle reservations will be honored at Authority terminals, and rescheduling and cancellation fees will be waived.” Massachusetts Steamship Authority said that they are working in close capacity with relevant authorities as well as internally to determine the root of the attack. In a statement from Massachusetts state representative Dylan Fernandes, he assured that he is in contact with Police and Steamship Authority to keep an eye on the situation. Malicious actors are now clawing their way up the corporate ladder, attacking businesses and penetrating organizations’ networks and demanding absurd ransoms. According to a report by Kaspersky, the biggest cybersecurity threat looming large over businesses in 2021 is ransomware.
