The City of Flint, Michigan, was hit by a ransomware attack on August 14, 2024, that disrupted its network and internet service. The attackers demanded a ransom to restore the system, but the city refused to pay. The FBI and the Attorney General's Office are investigating the incident, while the city's IT department is working with cyber security experts to recover the data and restore the service.
Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts the files and data of the victims, preventing them from accessing their own information. The attackers then demand a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, to provide the decryption key. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee the recovery of the data, and it may encourage further attacks. Ransomware attacks are often launched through phishing emails, compromised websites, or unsecured remote access systems.
The ransomware attack on Flint is not an isolated case. In recent months, several municipalities and organizations across Michigan have been targeted by cybercriminals.
“We are working hard to resolve this issue and to minimize disruption for Flint residents,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “I want to thank our staff and partners for their hard work.”
A few days later, on August 20, Mayor Neely said, “Attacks on our communities, organizations, and businesses are becoming more commonplace, but we will fight our way through. We appreciate the patience of the public while we are battling back.”
The City of Flint is still recovering from the ransomware attack, and it has faced some challenges and delays in restoring its services and functions, with some services, such as the city's billing system, being knocked offline for more than a week.
"We are not out of the woods yet, but our team is working around the clock and making significant progress to overcome this cyber-attack," Mayor Neeley said.
Ransomware attacks are a serious and growing threat to businesses of all sizes and sectors. The ransomware attack on Flint, Michigan, is a wake-up call for small businesses all over the country to take proactive steps to protect their data and systems from these attacks. Remember, prevention is the best solution, but a continuous process.