Augusta continues to recover from the network disruption that began May 21 with some systems now fully operational but three major ones not.
City officials continue to deny being in communication with the ransomware group BlackByte, which has claimed responsibility for the theft of much city data and posted samples on the dark web. But last week, the Augusta Commission approved agreements with two firms, Mullen Coughlin LLC and Charles River Associates, which specialize in dealing with ransomware and litigation that ensues from data breaches.
Augusta email, phones and other systems used by the public are operational. Not yet operational is Geographic Information Systems as well as the enterprise asset management system that depends on GIS. Augusta uses the systems to track and maintain units of infrastructure such as pipes, water meters and street signs. Also still down is the solid waste management system, which likely tracks who its garbage customers are.
“These services are expected to be restored within the next two weeks,” a statement said.
The city has provided no report on the loss of data in the incident, while a “thorough investigation” is being conducted. Augusta will “take all appropriate actions” to notify anyone affected by the breach.
