Hoboken, N.J. hit with ransomware cyberattack, officials say

HOBOKEN, N.J. - The City of Hoboken was targeted in a ransomware attack Wednesday morning, officials said. 

The cyber attack forced the closure of City Hall, and shut down online city services. 

The damage wasn't limited to just online disruption. Hoboken municipal court was canceled, and citywide street sweeping was suspended. Officials said other parking regulations remained in effect, and garbage collection and recreational programs will go ahead as scheduled. 

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said federal authorities and the city's IT department are investigating, but didn't say what division was targeted. 

"It was isolated to one division within the City of Hoboken. We immediately took precautions and we're fortunate to have a system in place that prevents these attacks from spreading," Bhalla said. 

"A major crime"

City officials said what's important is that they were able to turn off their computers before the start of the business day. 

"Contacted all employees, had them not log into any of their computers or portals. Don't punch in. Do not go on to emails. We saw the last time, eight years ago, that is sometimes how ransomware spread," Director of Public Safety Ken Ferrante said. 

"We want to make sure the information of anyone isn't compromised. We've been successful in preventing these types of ransomware attacks, which occur across the nation, from really spreading," Bhalla said. 

Hoboken residents got a text message alert.   

"A little concerning, time-wise, right before the holiday," resident Nick DeFalco said.   

Officials said these attacks are sadly part of everyday life. 

"They are a major crime in our country. Government, hopitals, or universities, private companies are attacked so that they get money. People's financial information," Ferrante said. 

Ransomware attacks usually come with a payment demand. Hoboken officials wouldn't say if that was the case in this incident. 

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