Massachusetts ferry service slowed by ransomware attack

Onboard the Martha’s Vineyard Ferry. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

BOSTON (AP) — Ferry service between mainland Massachusetts and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket was slowed Wednesday morning by a ransomware cyberattack, officials said.

“The Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority has been the target of a ransomware attack that is affecting operations as of Wednesday morning. As a result, customers traveling with us today may experience delays,” the Steamship Authority said on its official Twitter account.

“A team of IT professionals is currently assessing the impact of the attack. Additional information will be provided upon completion of the initial assessment,” the state agency said.

Several major U.S. companies have been victims of cyberattacks recently.

JBS Foods, a major meat processing company, said this week it had been affected by a cyberattack that shut down processing plants in North America and Australia.

A cyberattack last month on the Colonial Pipeline, the largest U.S. fuel pipeline, forced its closure and led to long lines and panic buying at gas stations in the Southeast.