SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The Port of San Diego says the agency experienced a "serious cybersecurity incident" this week affecting its information technology systems.
The Port said it was first alerted of a disruption Tuesday and has since brought in local, state, and federal partners to investigate and restore compromised systems.
The priority of work is being placed on public safety-related systems, according to the Port.
Port CEO Randa Coniglio said, in part, port employees are still working with limited functionality and there may be temporary impacts to public services:
"The Harbor Police Department has alternative systems and procedures in place to minimize impacts to public safety. Additionally, we have reported this disruption to the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services. Port employees are currently at work but have limited functionality, which may have temporary impacts on service to the public, especially in the areas of park permits, public records requests, and business services."
The Port did not classify the incident as an attack or breach.
On Thursday morning, Coniglio issued an update on the situation:
"The Port of San Diego continues to investigate a serious cybersecurity incident that has disrupted the agency's information technology systems, and the Port's investigation so far has determined that ransomware was involved in this attack. As previously stated, the Port has mobilized a team of industry experts and local, regional, state and federal partners to minimize impacts and restore system functionality, with priority placed on public safety-related systems. The team is currently determining the extent and timing of the incident and the amount of damage to information technology resources, and developing a plan for recovery. The Harbor Police Department continues to use alternative systems and procedures in place to minimize impacts to public safety. Port employees continue to have limited functionality which may have temporary impacts on service to the public, especially in the areas of park permits, public records requests, and business services. No further information is available at this time; updates will be provided as information is available."
