Huber Heights hit by ransomware cyber attack

City spokeswoman Sarah Williams said the attack was discovered at 8:13 a.m. Sunday. The ransomware attack means that a computer virus has locked city employees out of the systems they use to keep track of data. Williams said the city is working to restore the data from backups and perform a forensic analysis on the computers.

Huber Heights officials said the city’s information technology department is coordinating with local, state, and federal law enforcement, and is actively investigating the scope and severity of the issue.

City divisions impacted by the attack included utilities, tax, zoning, engineering, finance, human resources and economic development. Dzik said the billing systems for utilities and taxes will be impacted for at least a week.

The city is waiving late fees for utility payments this month and will not be conducting any shutoffs this month, he said.

If any resident wants to pay utilities this week, they would need to bring a copy of the bill with them, Dzik said, and a cash or check in the exact amount. The city does not have access to individual bills on their end at the moment and cannot process credit cards.

“I think once most people hear that we’re waiving (late fees), they’ll just wait,” he said.

City officials are trying to determine if any resident or staff information was accessed, and Williams said that anyone found to be impacted will be notified.

“We’re going to try and find an answer that as soon as possible,” Dzik said.

As of Sunday night, the city web site (www.hhoh.org) and phone lines to city offices were operational. City officials encouraged residents to check the website to stay up-to-date on information, as updates are planned to be made at 2 p.m. each day on the city website and Facebook page.

Dzik said the city does not know yet how the attack happened but it is under investigation. The city has insurance for this type of attack, he said.

The attack also did not impact leaf pickup or trash services. Trash is contracted out through a third party.