The consequences of the cyber attack on the Sault Tribe infrastructure are still being mended as casino systems and other tribal services are coming back online.
Sault Tribe Officials Update on the Progress Being Made
Last week, the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians suffered from a ransomware attack that took offline many tribal services and also impacted casino operations. The hackers had targeted several computer and phone systems that disrupted various aspects of daily running, such as the tribe’s health division.
Tribe chairman Austin Lowes said the tribe understands and shares in the community’s frustration with this attack and the interruptions it has caused. Lowes wants to assure everyone that they are working closely with cybersecurity experts and putting in extra effort to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
The tribal government has remained open, though in a limited capacity throughout the week, and officials said it might take a few more days to iron everything out. Many tribal services are already back online. Lowes further thanked everyone for their patience and understanding during these tough times.
While progress has not been as fast as we would like, there is measurable progress, including the establishment of new phone numbers that have been posted to our tribe’s Facebook page. Right now, we expect the tribe will continue to operate in a limited capacity for up to another week. Regular updates will continue to be made on our Facebook page as restoration efforts progress.
Tribe chairman Austin Lowes
He concluded by saying that as with any challenge the Sault people have faced, he is confident that the tribe will emerge stronger.
Casinos and Other Services Were Out of Action
The ransomware attack negatively impacted the operations of casinos and other tribal services across the entire network. Gaming operations were suspended at all tribal locations starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, February 10. This followed a previous announcement on the afternoon of Feb. 9, which said that Kawadin’s Manistique, Christmas, and Hessel locations had closed at 3:23 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace gaming floors remained open at that time. Guests could not check in to the chain’s hotels in the afternoon on February 9. However, guests who were already checked in were permitted to stay. Furthermore, it took more than 24 hours to bring the Kewadin back online.
Aside from casino and hotel operations, the attack disrupted many other activities. As of Friday morning, many programs, including the winter ceremonies for the Center of Language and Culture, have been postponed. However, other programs, such as the Feeding America food distribution, are still operating. Health services are available through the new phone numbers listed on the tribe’s Facebook page.
