Hackers Demand $200K from Washington Port to Unlock Data
(TNS) — Hackers are demanding a $200,000 ransom after placing an encryption lock on the
Under the direction of the
There is no guarantee that hackers would deliver an encryption key to restore access if the port were to pay, it said.
Instead, it is working with the
The port’s technology contractor does not believe that individual data has been compromised.
The goal of the attack appears to be to lock the servers to persuade the port to pay a ransom rather than accessing the information on the servers, according to the port.
The cyber attack was sophisticated, using “military-grade encryption,” according to the port. Neither the
The port’s information technology contractor expected to work through the night Tuesday to restore email functioning by Wednesday. Re-establishing off-line data will take longer — likely a matter of days — in part because the contractor has been providing information requested by the
Along with restoration of the computer data, additional security and protection will be added to the port’s system.
The cost of recovering from the cyber attack will depend on the time needed for the contractor to repair damage.