(TNS) \u2014 An essential service is alive and well again in St. Paul after a summer cyber attack.<\/p>\n
Public Internet access has been restored at all St. Paul Public Library locations and recreation centers after the city initiated a full system shutdown in response to a July ransomware attack<\/a>, the city announced Thursday.<\/p>\n \u201cThe restoration of our public Internet network took an incredible amount of work and marks a huge milestone in our recovery,\u201d said Mayor Melvin Carter in a news release. \u201cFor so many of our residents, this connection is a lifeline to work, education, applying for jobs, and seeking opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n In late July, Carter declared a state of emergency following a days-long cyber attack on the city\u2019s Internet-based computer networks that led officials to call in the FBI and Gov. Tim Walz to enlist the Minnesota National Guard\u2019s cybersecurity experts.<\/p>\n In response to the attack, city officials conducted a precautionary \u201ccomplete network shutdown\u201d of its Wi-Fi and Internet-based systems, from public computer terminals within the St. Paul libraries to key networks at City Hall. The move disrupted<\/a> city services, though officials said it was necessary to stop the hackers from doing more damage.<\/p>\n STRENGTHENED SAFEGUARDS \u201cReliable Internet in our libraries has never been more important,\u201d said Deputy Library Director Rebecca Ryan in the city\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n Thousands of St. Paul residents rely on the city\u2019s Internet service to stay connected to family and seniors, to do research for schoolwork and to apply for jobs and complete training.<\/p>\n In addition to restoring Internet service, strengthened safeguards were put in place including: Segmented and secure public Internet traffic that is entirely separated from the city\u2019s internal networks, simpler access with fewer steps and logins and an open network that ensures residents seeking public access can safely access it.<\/p>\n \u201cWhether it\u2019s a teen connecting after school or a family using our recreation centers together, restoring public internet access ensures its available where community happens,\u201d said Parks and Recreation Director Andy Rodriguez. \u201cThis is a critical step forward for equity across our neighborhoods.\u201d<\/p>\n This week the city also launched its new permitting and licensing platform, PAULIE<\/a>. Other restored systems include financial and payment platforms, geographic information systems, telephones and email, legislative and public meeting systems.<\/p>\n City officials said no ransom was ever paid to the cyber attackers, who posted some of the hacked data online. Investigators said the information was not sensitive.<\/p>\n
As of Thursday, city staff had restored certain systems, including public Internet access, after they thoroughly tested, validated and secured them with modern safeguards.<\/p>\n