Flint, MI – August 14, 2024 — The City of Flint is grappling with a significant internal network and internet outage after being targeted by a criminal ransomware attack in the early hours of Wednesday. The attack has disrupted various city services, prompting an ongoing investigation involving the FBI and the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.
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Flint’s IT Department is collaborating with cybersecurity experts to assess the extent of the breach and restore service. As of now, there is no clear timeline for when normal operations will resume. The City is also investigating whether any personal data belonging to residents or employees has been compromised.
“We encourage all individuals to take steps to protect themselves from identity theft as we continue our investigation,” a City spokesperson said.
Service Impacts
The City of Flint has detailed several service disruptions due to the ransomware attack. Notably:
- Payments: The City’s online payment systems for water, sewer, and taxes are currently offline. Payments can only be made via cash or check. No late fees or penalties will be imposed, and there will be no water shutoffs during the outage.
- Communication: City employees are experiencing intermittent access to email, and the City’s phone system is facing gaps in service. Residents are advised to call during normal business hours and to be patient with any delays. Voicemail services are also unreliable, with some messages potentially lost.
- Website Access: The City’s website remains operational; however, certain linked platforms, including the billing system and GIS maps, are unavailable.
Public Safety and Operations
Despite the attack, emergency services, including 911, law enforcement, and fire operations, remain fully operational and unaffected. Public Works services, such as waste collection, street maintenance, and water and sewer utilities, are also continuing as normal. The Office of Public Health is operational, and residents can still obtain free water testing kits and filters at Flint City Hall or the City of Flint Service Center.
The City of Flint will continue to provide updates on the situation through its website. Residents are encouraged to visit cityofflint.com for the latest information on service impacts and restoration progress.
As the City works to resolve this crisis, officials are urging patience from residents and reaffirming their commitment to restoring all services as swiftly as possible.
