Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Respond to Cybersecurity Incident: A Commitment to Transparency and Security
FORT HALL, IDAHO — In a significant development, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have recently faced a potential cybersecurity incident that has prompted immediate action from their Information Technology Department and Executive Office. The incident, which came to light on August 16, has raised concerns about the security of the Tribes’ digital infrastructure and the protection of sensitive information.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Upon learning of the potential cybersecurity threat, the Tribes wasted no time in launching an investigation. They engaged a contracted cybersecurity consultant firm and promptly notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to ensure a thorough examination of the situation. Over the weekend of August 17-18, preliminary investigations confirmed that a network security incident had indeed occurred.
On August 19, the Tribes took to their official Facebook page to inform the public about the incident, demonstrating their commitment to transparency. The following day, an all-employee meeting was held, along with two additional meetings for tribal members, to provide further details and address any concerns.
Commitment to Cybersecurity
Tino Batt, the Interim Executive Director of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, emphasized the seriousness with which the Tribes approach cybersecurity. “The Tribes take cybersecurity and data security very seriously and are working diligently with the FBI and Homeland Security contractor to identify the source and scope of the incident,” he stated. The Tribes are not only focused on resolving the current issue but are also assessing potential vulnerabilities and implementing additional security measures to prevent future incidents.
Operational Impact and Service Delays
As a direct result of the cybersecurity incident, the Tribes’ email, network, and phone systems are expected to be offline for several days. Tribal Government offices were closed on August 19, and again on August 22 and 23, allowing the cybersecurity team to address issues with technology equipment. The Tribes have acknowledged that the public may experience delays in services during this period and have expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and understanding.
Updates regarding specific services will be communicated as the investigation progresses. The immediate priority remains the investigation and the rebuilding of the network infrastructure to ensure a secure environment for all users.
Public Safety Systems Under Review
The impact of the cybersecurity incident on public safety systems, including Police and Fire services, is currently being assessed. The Tribes have assured the community that emergency services remain operational, and individuals should continue to dial 9-1-1 for emergencies or (208) 238-4000 for non-emergency public safety services.
Keeping the Community Informed
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are committed to keeping the public informed about any new developments related to the incident. They plan to share educational information regarding cyber attacks and provide recommendations on how individuals can protect their personal information. The Tribes’ official website, sbtribes.com, will serve as a central hub for information, with updates available on the homepage starting August 23.
Community members are encouraged to follow the Tribes’ Facebook page for real-time updates and information regarding the ongoing situation.
Acknowledgment of Support
In closing, the Fort Hall Business Council expressed gratitude to the employees and external teams who are working diligently to address the situation. Their efforts are crucial in navigating this challenging time, and the Council appreciates the community’s understanding and support as they work to restore normalcy and security.
As the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes continue to address this cybersecurity incident, their proactive approach and commitment to transparency serve as a model for other organizations facing similar challenges in today’s digital landscape.