What Happened?
The Massachusetts Steamship Authority was attacked by hackers on June 2, 2021. Cyberattackers targeted the entity’s website and booking system where passengers can schedule ferries to places like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
This marks another infrastructure-related attack following other recent malware hacks to Colonial Pipeline, JBS and Cox Media Group.
How was the Massachusetts Steamship Authority Affected by Ransomware?
First and foremost, the attack hampered the Steamship Authority’s ability to schedule passengers for trips from June 2 until the booking website was operational again on June 12.
While the actual ships themselves were operational, passengers could not schedule trips over the phone or on the website. During the downtime, passengers could purchase tickets in person, but the Steamship Authority proposed people use cash.
In the aftermath, the Steamship Authority waived cancellation and rescheduling fees for affected customers. They also temporarily extended its reservation hours to better accommodate customers.
How Can I Prevent Ransomware Attacks?
Ultimately any part of a company’s internal infrastructure going offline can cause a logistical nightmare. Being down for any period of time can also cause legal and compliancy issues, lost revenues and customer service nightmares. Ensuring you are implementing a proper cyber resiliency plan is paramount.
We have compiled 5 ways to become more resilient to cyberattacks.
Read more: How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks >>
BONUS RESOURCE
Preventing Ransomware Attacks eBook (PDF)
Read an in-depth summary where we look at several recent ransomware attacks to break down exactly what happened, which ransomware prevention plans worked, and which ones didn’t hold up when it mattered the most.
