West Haven Pays $2K in Computer Ransomware Attack

By The Associated Press | October 22, 2018 | Reprints | Unlock Link | Print
Savings Institute Bank & Trust has moved its website from a dot-com domain to the more secure dot-bank. Traditionally, financial institutions have had a .com web domain, which are obtainable without verification. However, a dot-bank domain requires a vigorous verification process be obtained, and comes enhanced with many security requirements.

West Haven has paid $2,000 to restore access to its computer system after a ransomware attack.

West Haven officials said Thursday they paid the money to anonymous attackers through the digital currency bitcoin to unlock 23 servers and restore access to city data.

The attack disabled servers early Tuesday morning, and city officials say it was contained by 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

City attorney Lee Tiernan said officials initially didn’t want to pay the ransom, but research showed it was the best course of action.

The city said there’s no reason to believe data was compromised. Employee pay was not affected.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the attack came from outside the U.S.

An investigation is ongoing.