NEWS RELEASE
SAULT TRIBE OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS
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SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – On Sunday, Feb. 9, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians was the victim of a ransomware cyber attack impacting multiple phone and computer systems across tribal administration, health centers and various businesses, including the Kewadin casinos.
Tribal Chairman Austin Lowes is issuing the following update to the community on the tribe’s restoration efforts:
“We understand and share in our community’s frustration with this attack and the interruptions it has caused. I want to assure everyone that the tribe is working with cyber security experts and burning the candles at both ends to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.
“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.
“We also understand there is a desire for our membership to know the details of what happened and the specifics around what is being done to fix it. Unfortunately, given that this is an ongoing attack, we cannot share further detail at this time.
“We greatly appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work through this difficult issue. As it does with any challenge our people have faced, I am confident that our tribe will emerge stronger.”
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