Oak Ridge malware attack: Police investigating as city offices remain closed
Oak Ridge malware attack: Police investigating as city offices remain closed
City offices are still closed to the public, but you can still reach police and fire
DONNA SMITH Oakridger
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As city of Oak Ridge employees continued to work offline because of a malware attack on the city's computer network, officials announced Wednesday afternoon they are working with law enforcement to investigate the attack.
When asked if foul play was suspected, city senior communications specialist Lauren Gray said an investigation is considered standard practice for a malware attack.
Offices in the Municipal Building, the Utility Business Office and the Planning and Development permit desk are closed to the public until further notice. Departments can be reached by telephone.
Wednesday marked the third day the offices were closed to the public.
Technical specialists experienced in cyber recovery services are working to restore services as quickly as possible, according to the city's official statement.
Assistant City Manager Jack Suggs and City Manager Mark Watson described the malware assault as a "business process attack." Office employees cannot access or send email or do other work that requires the computer network. Watson said they began noticing problems Monday morning.
Oak Ridge police and fire departments can still be reached at 911 for emergencies and at 865-425-4399 for non-emergencies. Those needing assistance with starting or reconnecting utility services can call 865-425-3400.
Late fees are being waived for utility payments during this period and there's a pause on disconnections. Gray said if a resident needs to start a new service or make a payment to get utilities reconnected, they can come to the Utility Business Office.
Malware is software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
City offices are still closed to the public, but you can still reach police and fire
DONNA SMITH Oakridger
Show Caption
As city of Oak Ridge employees continued to work offline because of a malware attack on the city's computer network, officials announced Wednesday afternoon they are working with law enforcement to investigate the attack.
When asked if foul play was suspected, city senior communications specialist Lauren Gray said an investigation is considered standard practice for a malware attack.
Offices in the Municipal Building, the Utility Business Office and the Planning and Development permit desk are closed to the public until further notice. Departments can be reached by telephone.
Wednesday marked the third day the offices were closed to the public.
Technical specialists experienced in cyber recovery services are working to restore services as quickly as possible, according to the city's official statement.
Assistant City Manager Jack Suggs and City Manager Mark Watson described the malware assault as a "business process attack." Office employees cannot access or send email or do other work that requires the computer network. Watson said they began noticing problems Monday morning.
Oak Ridge police and fire departments can still be reached at 911 for emergencies and at 865-425-4399 for non-emergencies. Those needing assistance with starting or reconnecting utility services can call 865-425-3400.
Late fees are being waived for utility payments during this period and there's a pause on disconnections. Gray said if a resident needs to start a new service or make a payment to get utilities reconnected, they can come to the Utility Business Office.
Malware is software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
