Massachusetts Steamship Authority hit by ransomware attack

BARNSTABLE, Mass. —
The Massachusetts Steamship Authority said a ransomware attack was impacting its operations Wednesday morning.

The company's website, which allows passengers to book reservations, appeared to be offline.

"The Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority has been the target of a ransomware attack that is affecting operations as of Wednesday morning," the company said in a statement on social media.

"As a result, customers traveling with us today may experience delays," the Steamship Authority said.

The Steamship Authority said a team of IT professionals was assessing the impact of the attack. "Additional information will be provided upon completion of the initial assessment," the company said.

The attack makes the Steamship Authority the latest state business to be impacted by cyberattacks.

In March, the Registry of Motor Vehicles had the vendor that manages its inspection system experienced a malware attack across several states that forced inspections to be halted statewide for several weeks.

Kaspersky, a Woburn, Massachusetts cyber-security based firm, said in a recent report that ransomware was the top cybersecurity threat facing businesses in 2021, with criminal groups making daily headlines as they grow bolder.

Source: https://www.wcvb.com/article/massachusetts-steamship-authority-hit-by-ransomware-attack/36607299