The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality stated on Wednesday that they are investigating an ongoing cyberattack.
The DEQ authorities haven't specified what kind of data was breached, and they are still working to identify the origin of the cyberattack.
The complete scope of the effect remains unknown," stated Lauren Wirtis, a representative from DEQ. "Our priority has been on reducing the impact.
Wirtis mentioned that DEQ has been collaborating with others. Enterprise Information Services which manages the state’s information technology and cybersecurity protocols, has instructed to swiftly deactivate all computer systems "in order to isolate the agency servers and networks until the attack is completely contained and hopefully eliminated." The company mentioned that Microsoft’s cybersecurity experts are collaborating to examine and address the cyber problems.
The cyberattack has brought nearly all office activities at DEQ to a standstill since employees are unable to utilize computers or retrieve files from the shared network. Additionally, vehicle inspection stations will remain closed on Thursday and Friday, April 10 and 11, according to Wirtis.
The DEQ announced late Wednesday evening in a news update that their systems will remain unavailable for the rest of the week.
The DEQ's web-based information management system Your DEQ Online – which allows people to submit applications, make payments and post public comments, among others – has not been affected because it is hosted by a third party on different servers, Wirtis said.
— Gosia Wozniacka reports on environmental justice, climate change, the shift towards clean energy, and various other ecological concerns. You can reach her at gwozniacka@oregonian.com or 971-421-3154.
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