Cybercriminals Attack Port Of San Diego With Ransomware, Demand Bitcoin

Port San Diego’s IT department has gone through a tough week after a cybersecurity attack.

The Port of San Diego revealed in a statement that its computer systems were attacked by a ransomware with the attackers demanding to be paid before they can decrypt the files. The chief executive officer of the port, Randa Coniglio explained that the attack which was at first reported in September has resulted in the interference of the IT systems of the agency. While recognizing that the cybercriminals demanded ransom, Coniglio did not demand how much was demanded.

“As previously stated, the investigation has detected that ransomware was used in this attack,” said Coniglio in a statement. “The Port can also now confirm that the ransom note requested payment in Bitcoin, although the amount that was requested is not being disclosed.”

Maybe a demonstration of the intensity of the attack, the port facility located in San Diego County, California has called the U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The port is also collaborating with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Even though the IT systems of the port which deals with close to three million tons of cargo a year have been interrupted with some of them being proactively shut down as a precaution measure, operations at the facility are going on as usual.

“The temporary impacts on service to the public are in the areas of park permits, public records requests, and business services,” added Coniglio.