NEWS RELEASE

February 21, 2018

For Immediate Release

City Providing Services Despite Malware Attack 

SAVANNAH, GA (February 21, 2018) — The City of Savannah is continuing to rid the City’s network of a virus that was discovered February 9, likely caused by an e-mail phishing scheme.

The City’s Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has been working around the clock to contain and remediate the malware infection. DoIT staff is in the process of reimaging all computers and continues to limit communication between City servers.

While this is an inconvenience to City staff, it does not impact the City’s ability to provide core services to residents, businesses and visitors. Some services, such as access to open bids through the purchasing department and making in-person payments to parking services have been impacted. In addition, the City cannot receive email attachments, specifically pdf files, from outside sources.

There is no evidence that the malware attack has compromised any City data and it has not impacted public safety or affected the 911 Center’s ability to receive and dispatch 911 calls. Recorder’s Court is also holding court as scheduled and is still able to accept payment of fines.

DoIT staff along with Layer 3 Communications are still working to eliminate the virus and identify the cause of the malware. The City of Savannah appreciates the public’s patience as we work to mitigate this issue.