Wichita cyberattack update: What residents need to know

Laura McMillan
·9 min read

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The City of Wichita released more information about how a cyberattack on its computer systems is affecting residents.

The ransomware attack happened the weekend of May 3-5. In an update on May 14, the City announced the attackers had copied some files that included names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license or state identification card numbers, and payment card information. The City also gave tips for people who want to check and protect their personal information.

Cyber attacks likely done to get ransom payment from Wichita

A City team has been fighting the cyberattack since it was discovered. In the meantime, the City has turned off its computer network. There is no timetable for when the systems could be back online.

The City provided these answers to frequently asked questions:

Public Safety

Are first responders (Fire/Police) still providing services?

Yes, they are. They are prepared for these matters and have switched to business continuity measures where appropriate to continue providing exceptional service.

Is there any impact to Wichita Fire Department operations?

There is NO EXPECTED IMPACT TO RESIDENTS needing fire services. WFD has a system in
place to monitor and respond to calls for service.

Is there any impact to Wichita Police Department operations?

WPD implemented continuity measures to mitigate the impact. Our core responsibility
remains the same, which is to ensure public safety and provide exceptional customer
service to Wichita, thus keeping our community safe.

First responders impacted by City of Wichita cyber attack

Bills

How do I make a payment to the City of Wichita?

Credit cards payments are not being accepted at this time. Please refer to the service you
are making payment to for further information about cash or check payments.

Water

Are water systems in any way compromised by the cyber security event?

No. All water systems are secure and functioning as normal.

How do I pay my water bill?

During the cyber security incident, we will not shut off water accounts. Anyone having difficulty paying their bill will not receive penalties or late fees until the cyber incident is resolved. Bills may still be paid via cash, check and money order by coming to City Hall or by mailing payment. Payments may also be made at retail outlets like Walmart and Dillons. Customers looking to set up a new water account may do so by calling 316-265-1300 or by coming to City Hall. Auto payments and scheduled payments may process starting 5/10 for the billing cycle that was processed prior to the cyber security event.

If my water is shut off, how do I get reconnected?

During the data breach, we will not be shutting off any water accounts. Those who have experienced a water shut-off may bring a $150 payment or proof of a $150 payment to City Hall, and their water will be reconnected.

How can I contact Public Works and Utilities with water account questions?

Although the Water Call Center cannot view account information at this time, you can call and speak with a representative at 316-265-1300.

What do I do if I have a water emergency?

In the event of a water emergency, call 316-262-6000.

Call Center

The City of Wichita Call Center phone numbers are working, but live chat on wichita.gov is
unavailable at this time.

Transit

How will I get a bus ticket or pay bus fare?

All Wichita Transit and Paratransit services are fare-free until further notice.

How do I request paratransit services?

Please call 316-352-4824 or 316-352-4810.

City Vendors

Please continue to visit www.wichita.gov for the latest updates. Thank you for your patience.

Purchasing

Bid Opening for Friday, May 10, 2024, was canceled.

Any Request for Bid, Proposal, or Qualifications with a stated Due Date of May 10, 2024, are
deferred until 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 17, 2024.

Please call the Purchasing Office at 316-268-4636 for any questions or technical
assistance.

Park and Recreation

Wichita Park & Recreation is unable to facilitate credit card transactions, whether
conducted online or in person. Patrons are asked to register for the diverse range of
programming outlined below at any of our designated recreation centers during respective
operating hours. Detailed information regarding the operational schedules of the centers is accessible at https://www.wichita.gov/722/Recreation-Centers.

The offerings encompass:

Athletics

  • Adult Leagues

  • Youth Leagues

  • Miracle League of Wichita

Aquatics:

  • Swim Classes

  • Scuba

  • Swim Team

  • Swimming Pool Memberships

Recreation

  • Camps

  • Classes

Those seeking to procure the rental services of athletic fields, equipment, swimming
pools, or venues are encouraged to contact our administrative office directly at 316-268-
4361.

For inquiries pertaining to programming at the Riverside Tennis Center, individuals are
directed to personally visit the facility during its standard operational hours to complete
the registration process. Detailed information regarding the operational hours of the
Riverside Tennis Center can be found online at wichita.gov/1353/Riverside-Tennis-Center.

Golf Wichita

Golf Wichita is presently unable to facilitate credit card transactions, whether conducted
online or in-person. We kindly request patrons to ensure they have cash or a check
available when visiting any of our golf courses.

Our online booking engine is unavailable. All reservations will be taken by calling your local
clubhouse or in person.

We are unable to process registrations for group lessons, tournaments, or the Junior Tour
online. Interested individuals are advised to register for group lessons or tournaments
by visiting the respective host locations. For Junior Tour registration, please contact us
directly at 316-268-4653.

Please note that Golf Wichita is presently not accepting new membership applications.
Existing members with inquiries are encouraged to reach out to us by phone at 316-268-
4653 or email at GolfWichita@wichita.gov.

City Licenses

Can I pay for or obtain a license through the City?

Licenses may be paid for and obtained by coming to City Hall.

City Meetings

Will City Council, committees and other advisory board meetings be streamed?

While best efforts will be made to continue streaming any previously streamed public
meetings or media opportunities, at this time, please plan to attend any City meetings in
person.

Landfill

Are landfill operations still in service?

The landfill is accepting cash only at this time.

Arts and Culture

Are cultural institutions impacted?

Cultural institutions for the City, including CityArts, Cowtown and Indian Museum, are able
to hold events as scheduled, but payments will only be accepted by cash or check. Century
II, Botanica and the Wichita Art Museum are not affected.

Municipal Court

Municipal Court customer service staff has access to docket and warrant information. Individuals may contact 316-268-4611 for their current court dates. There will be ample time for people to clear warrants once we are fully operational. Once information services are restored, there will be a process for those who lost contact with the court and received a warrant to clear the warrant without arrest.

Is Municipal Court still in operation?

All scheduled dockets will proceed as planned. There is no walk-in docket at this time.

What if I have to pay a Municipal Court fine?

Payments to Municipal Court may be made in person. At this time, only cash and checks are
being accepted.

Airport

What impact does this have at the Airport?

No public Wi-Fi is available at the terminal and arrival and departure screens are not
currently working. Flights are operating normally.

Library

Is the Library open?

Public Wi-Fi is available at the following locations: Alford, Angelou, Rockwell and Westlink branches, as well as Libby. Staff can check out materials, but checking in materials, pulling holds and transferring materials between locations might be paused. We are a fine-free library, but we will monitor accounts to make sure other fees are not assessed during this time. Public Wi-Fi is not available at the following locations: Advanced Learning Library, Evergreen and Walters branches. Other services that may be impacted include staff email through the City network (if you email us, we might not be able to respond during this outage), the library website, most databases, including Kanopy, LinkedIn Learning, etc, the online catalog, the Self-service print release stations, the self-check stations, the automated materials handler at the Advanced Learning Library – place returns in the manual book drop, most incoming phone call capability.

Resource Centers

Are neighborhood resource centers still operational?

Wi-Fi and phones are currently down. Unless otherwise noted, all scheduled events
services are operational.

Planning

Is Planning still able to process cases?

All planning activities will continue. Payments may be made with cash or check.

MABCD

Is MABCD operational?

There is no expected interruption to MABCD activities.

Housing

How is Housing and Community Services impacted?

At this time, staff are working to serve those needing Housing and Community Services
Assistance as well as we can. Staff will contact those needing service as soon as possible.

Online sources: Lockbit claims responsibility for City of Wichita ransomware

General Information

Will livestreaming continue for boards and commissions?

The City will make every effort to livestream or record board and commission meetings.
There is no guarantee that livestreaming will be available, so plan on attending those
meetings in person. Wichita City Council meetings will be broadcast on Cox cable channel
7 as well as the City’s YouTube channel.

What Happened?

On May 5, 2024, certain City systems were encrypted by malware. In response, some computer network and systems were shut down to prevent the spread of the malware. Certain services may be temporarily unavailable while systems are offline. The City is enabling business continuity measures, where appropriate, to minimize disruption and is working with third-party specialists to safely and securely restore the computer network.

What is encryption malware?

Encryption malware is a type of computer virus that locks files without permission. A third party then seeks payment for a key to unlock the computer files. This is often called ransomware, which uses computer software to lock files and withhold the key to unlock the files until a payment is made. Unfortunately, government organizations are often targeted by these groups.

Has law enforcement been notified?

Yes, federal and local law enforcement authorities are assisting with this matter.

What group is claiming responsibility?

This is not being shared for operational security purposes.

What is the impact on data?

On May 14, the City said it identified that certain files were copied from its computer network without permission.

These files contained law enforcement incident and traffic information, which include names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license or state identification card numbers, and payment card information.

The City is completing a thorough review and assessment of this matter. Detailed assessments of these types of incidents take time.

When will systems be back online?

We are working with specialists to thoroughly review and assess systems before putting
them back online. Systems will be restored on a staggered basis to minimize disruptions.
We do not have a definitive timeline for returning all systems to production.

Where can I find updates?

We encourage residents to click here for the latest updates


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