The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have confirmed a cybersecurity incident that disrupted their operations on the Fort Hall Reservation in Idaho. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes cyberattack, reported on August 22, led to a temporary shutdown of the tribal government and major interruptions in communication and network services.
The cyberattack on the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes occurred over the weekend preceding August 19, causing severe disruptions. Phone lines, email services, computer systems, and other network operations across several tribal programs were compromised, resulting in a two-day closure of the tribal government from August 22 to August 23. This incident affected various departments, although critical services remained operational.
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Cyberattack Confirmed
Tino Batt, the Interim Executive Director of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, provided a statement detailing the tribe’s response to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes cyberattack. The Tribes take cybersecurity and data security very seriously and are working diligently with the FBI and a Homeland Security contractor to identify the source and scope of the incident,” Batt said. He emphasized that efforts are being made to assess vulnerabilities, enhance security measures, and develop comprehensive mitigation, response, and recovery plans.
On August 19, tribal Chairman Lee Juan Tyler informed employees and citizens via memo that personal information might have been exposed during the incident. He advised vigilance in monitoring financial accounts and credit reports for any unusual activity, expressing regret for any inconvenience caused. “We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause and are doing everything we can to rectify the situation and prevent future occurrences,” Tyler noted.
Following the cybersecurity incident, most tribal departments resumed operations on August 26. According to a social media update on August 25, several critical functions, including the tribe’s gaming enterprise, economic development, agriculture corporation, housing department, and the Fort Hall Reservation’s junior/senior high school, were unaffected as these entities operate on separate systems. However, other departments continued to face challenges, including ongoing issues with phone lines and computer systems.
Response to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Cyberattack
In response to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes cybersecurity incident, the tribe has engaged with federal agencies to investigate and resolve the matter. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Idaho are actively involved in the investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s involvement highlights the seriousness of the attack and the commitment to uncovering those responsible.
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Information Technology Department, alongside a contracted cybersecurity firm, quickly launched an investigation upon discovering the breach on August 16. An update on August 19 confirmed the extent of the network security breach, and the tribe held meetings with employees and community members on August 20 to provide updates and address concerns.
In a statement, Batt reiterated the tribe’s dedication to resolving the situation. “Tribal Government email, network, and phone systems are anticipated to be offline for a minimum of several days. Our primary focus is securing these systems and restoring services as soon as possible,” Batt said.
The tribe’s website, www.sbtribes.com, has been serving as a central information hub throughout the incident. The site began providing updates on August 23, with continued information available via the tribe’s Facebook page.
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Faces Several Challenges in Recovery Process
As part of their response to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes cybersecurity incident, the tribal government closed several departments temporarily, with a partial return to work scheduled for August 26. Departments that were not impacted by the cyberattack, such as the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel and the tribal high school, remained functional. For those affected, operations are gradually resuming, with full departmental functionality restored on August 28.
The August 27 update from the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes highlighted the challenges still faced, including downed phone lines and ongoing efforts to secure and restore computer systems. Employees were instructed to use department cell phones for communication, and a list of key numbers was provided to assist with contact during this period.
The impact of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes cybersecurity incident extends beyond immediate operational disruptions. The tribe’s economic impact study reveals that with over 6,000 enrolled members and more than 1,000 employees, the incident has implications for both the community and the local economy. As one of the largest employers in the region, the tribe’s ability to maintain operations and secure its systems is crucial for its economic stability.
The incident has prompted the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to enhance their cybersecurity measures and work closely with federal authorities to mitigate future risks. The tribe’s commitment to transparency and community communication is evident in their regular updates and efforts to educate the public about cybersecurity best practices.