Most of Long Beach’s municipal government internet connections, network and systems, including its main website, have been restored after being taken offline when officials learned of a network security incident targeting the city, Mayor Rex Richardson announced Monday.
The city continues the process of restoring internet connections and systems securely in a planned and sequential method to ensure that systems function properly, according to Richardson.
Since systems were taken offline Nov. 15, a large contingent of city staff from the Department of Technology and Innovation have been working on a multitude of related workstreams and tasks, including those associated with properly bringing systems back online, Richardson said.
While systems were offline, department personnel assessed potential vulnerabilities and implemented additional security measures, beyond the existing measures already in place, to contain the threat, Richardson said.
With the assistance of third-party cyber security professionals, the department facilitated deployment of additional security technology to enhance detection, response and monitoring.
Most website content, including general information and department web pages, is now accessible on the city’s main website, longbeach.gov, with the majority of online services to follow into the coming days, Richardson said.
City services are being brought online slowly, and there are several steps involved including restoring regularly occurring processes between systems and testing the systems to ensure full functionality, Richardson said.
Work to reestablish connectivity with outside partners will continue for several days. Accessibility for several enterprise functions remain offline, including utility bill payment processing and most digital amenities offered by the Long Beach Public Library.
Utility billing late fees and shutoffs for non-payment have been suspended. Customers are still unable to make payments online, over the phone, or at any previously established offsite locations. All previously scheduled customer service operations will continue but could be delayed.
The city said that, once all systems are online, there will likely be some backlogs and some catch-up processes required to return to normal operations. Residents are encouraged to report any online service disruptions by calling 562-570-INFO.
The investigation of the network security incident remains ongoing and could take several weeks or months to conclude the investigation, the city said.
Due to the nature of the network security incident and active investigation, most of the information relating to the investigation must remain confidential, Richardson said. The city will continue to provide regular updates as appropriate.
“The restoration of our city network has been crafted meticulously and sequentially to ensure that all systems are functioning properly and will be safeguarded against any potential vulnerabilities as we resume normal operations,” Richardson said.
“As a full-service city, we recognize the importance of uninterrupted access to online services for our residents, businesses and visitors. We understand the inconvenience caused by the temporary disruption. We thank you for your understanding and patience, and we assure our community that great effort has been made to re-secure our systems.”
