Cyberattack Targets Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Sensitive Data Potentially Compromised
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribal government, based in Fort Hall, Idaho, was the target of a significant cyberattack on August 16, 2024, leading to a potential data breach. The Fort Hall Business Council disclosed the incident in a letter posted on August 19, revealing that unknown and unauthorized individuals may have gained access to the tribal government’s systems. The compromised data includes highly sensitive information such as full names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, contact information, tribal affiliations, employment records, direct deposit details, and potentially other personal data stored in their databases.
In response to the breach, the tribal government is collaborating closely with the FBI Cyber Security Team and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Idaho to investigate the incident and prevent further unauthorized access. Cybersecurity experts have been engaged to assist in securing the systems and enhancing security protocols. Despite these efforts, the full extent of the breach remains under investigation, and it is unclear how many individuals have been affected.
To address the immediate concerns of those impacted, the tribal government has issued safety guidelines, advising members and employees to be vigilant against phishing scams, monitor their financial accounts, obtain free credit reports, change passwords, and consider identity theft protection. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes expressed deep regret for any inconvenience caused and emphasized their commitment to rectifying the situation and preventing future incidents.
In light of the cyberattack, several tribal government services have been temporarily suspended. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes announced a closure of all tribal departments for two days, with only essential services like emergency response, health, and certain educational programs remaining operational. Tribal Court hearings have also been impacted, with non-emergency cases being vacated until further notice. Additionally, the tribes have been unable to process electronic payments, prompting a temporary switch to cash, checks, or money orders.
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes held two informational meetings on August 20 at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel to update tribal members on the breach and ongoing response efforts. As the situation evolves, the tribes continue to provide updates via social media, emphasizing transparency and community engagement during this challenging period. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify those responsible and secure the compromised systems.