PEPPERELL — The Town of Pepperell, Patriot Regional Emergency Communications Center, Pepperell Police and Pepperell Fire are working together with professional outside information technology vendors to investigate and respond to a cyberattack that has impacted some town and public safety computer systems.
The 911 phone system continues to operate normally, and at this time there is no evidence that private user information has been shared.
Town leaders learned about this incident early Tuesday, and immediately engaged the Town’s insurance provider and several outside cybersecurity specialists, as well as state and federal law enforcement partners to identify the cause of the cyberattack, to contain any possibly damage, and to begin restoring services.
Cybersecurity professionals are now working with the town to determine exactly what data may have been compromised, and how the Town can ensure that data is not released.
Pepperell Town Hall remains open during normal business hours, and staff are available to assist residents with day-to-day municipal needs.
Nonemergency/Business telephone lines at the Pepperell Fire Department and Patriot Regional Emergency Communications Center are out of service at this time due to the attack.
Residents needing to conduct business with those agencies should call 978-433-2671. In case of emergency, always dial 911.
Pepperell Police and Fire continue to respond to emergency calls without any interruption. Other area police and fire departments can still reach Patriot Regional Emergency Communications Center through normal mutual aid channels.
“We immediately engaged our insurance provider and reputable outside cybersecurity agencies to respond to and mitigate this attack,” said Town Administrator Andrew MacLean. “We will prioritize keeping the public informed as we move through this process under the guidance of industry professionals.”
The Town and effected departments will post further updates as soon as appropriate.
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