Ransomware Attack Disrupts Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Operations
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan suffered a ransomware attack this week, crippling critical computer and phone systems across multiple departments. According to a February 9 press release from Chairman Austin Lowes, the incident impacted tribal casinos, health centers, and various businesses, leading to widespread operational disruptions.
Ransomware, a type of malware that locks access to files and systems until a ransom is paid, has caused significant downtime for the tribe. In response, several departments and businesses have temporarily closed, with leadership aiming to restore operations by the end of the week. While limited services—such as Anishinaabek Community and Family Services, Education Services, and elder support—remain available, the Health Division has been unable to provide full medical services.
Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, tribal officials have shared few details but emphasized their commitment to resolving the issue quickly. Updates are being posted on the tribe’s official Facebook page.
The attack reflects a broader trend, with over 72% of global businesses affected by ransomware in 2023, per Statista. The U.S. healthcare sector remains the most targeted, followed by manufacturing and government entities. The FBI notes that ransomware often spreads through malicious email attachments, links, or compromised websites, with victims frequently unaware of the breach until systems are locked.
Source: https://ictnews.org/news/sault-ste-marie-tribe-hit-by-ransomware-attack/
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians TPRM report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/sault-tribe-inc
"id": "sau1765893426",
"linkid": "sault-tribe-inc",
"type": "Ransomware",
"date": "2/2025",
"severity": "100",
"impact": "5",
"explanation": "Attack threatening the organization's existence"{'affected_entities': [{'customers_affected': 'Tribal members and employees',
'industry': 'Government, Healthcare, Gaming, '
'Hospitality',
'location': 'Michigan, USA',
'name': 'Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians',
'type': 'Tribal Government'}],
'customer_advisories': 'Limited services remain available to tribal members, '
'including Anishinaabek Community and Family Services, '
'Education Services, and elder services. Updates will '
'be shared through the tribe’s official Facebook page.',
'data_breach': {'data_encryption': 'Yes (ransomware)'},
'date_publicly_disclosed': '2024-02-09',
'description': 'The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan '
'fell victim to a ransomware attack that affected their '
'computer systems, impacting multiple computer and phone '
'systems across the tribe, including casinos, health centers, '
'and various businesses.',
'impact': {'downtime': 'Temporarily closed several departments and '
'businesses, aiming to resume operations by the end of '
'the week',
'operational_impact': 'Significant disruption for members and '
'employees; Health Division unable to '
'provide comprehensive medical services',
'systems_affected': 'Multiple computer and phone systems across '
'the tribe, including casinos, health centers, '
'and various businesses'},
'investigation_status': 'Ongoing',
'ransomware': {'data_encryption': 'Yes'},
'references': [{'date_accessed': '2024-02-09',
'source': 'Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Press '
'Release'},
{'source': 'Statista'}],
'response': {'communication_strategy': 'Updates shared through the tribe’s '
'official Facebook page',
'containment_measures': 'Temporarily closed several departments '
'and businesses',
'recovery_measures': 'Aiming to resume operations by the end of '
'the week'},
'stakeholder_advisories': 'Tribal leadership acknowledged the significant '
'disruption and asked for patience and '
'understanding due to the sensitive nature of the '
'incident.',
'title': 'Ransomware Attack on Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians',
'type': 'Ransomware'}