Dallas Network Downed by Ransomware Attack

A ransomware attack targeting several of Dallas’ government servers triggered a widespread network outage earlier this week, knocking out several city services.

According to a press release from the city, a group called Royal is responsible for the attack.

On Monday, May 8, Dallas Chief Information Officer Bill Zielinski will brief the city’s public safety committee on the incident, shedding more light on affected city services and technology.

So far, officials estimate that less than 200 of the city’s devices have been affected.

As for city services, the release states the following:

• Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire Rescue service to residents is unaffected. However, both departments’ websites are down.
• 911 calls continue to be received and dispatched.
• 311 calls are being answered, but non-emergency service requests may be delayed.
• Courts are closed, and LiveChat is inaccessible. All cases will be reset; jurors do not need to report for service, and notices will be sent by mail.
• City Secretary’s Office: Saturday’s election is unaffected; Dallas County will share official information, including results. Meeting notices are being posted, and meetings may be viewed at dallascityhall.webex.com, dallascitynews.net/watch-live, and Spectrum channels 16 and 95 and AT&T U-verse at 99. Contracts may be delayed.
• All Dallas Public Library branches are open and in-person checkouts continue; online materials are currently unavailable.
• Dallas Water Utilities Department billing is unaffected; meter reading will be delayed. Only interactive voice response can take credit card payments. Disconnections will be discontinued until the outage is resolved.

“Since the city of Dallas’ Information and Technology Services detected a cyber threat Wednesday morning, employees have been hard at work to contain the issue and ensure continued service to our residents,” City Manager T.C. Broadnax said in a release.

“While the source of the outage is still under investigation, I am optimistic that the risk is contained,” Broadnax said. “For those departments affected, emergency plans prepared and practiced in advance are paying off. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank residents for their understanding as we continue to work around the clock until this issue is addressed.”

This event marks the second time in less than a month that the city has faced widespread network outages.

On April 19, an AT&T network outage caused city government Internet service to go down for nearly six hours, resulting in the cancellation of a City Council meeting.

However, an AT&T spokesperson attributed the outage to equipment failure.

More information about the city’s current network status can be found online.