The Steamship Authority remains in the grips of a ransomware attack that has stretched to its sixth day, but there is some light for customers seeking to make new or change existing reservations.
In a press release issued Tuesday morning, SSA spokesman Sean Driscoll wrote: “The Steamship Authority is pleased to announce that reservations for travel can now be made or changed [by] calling our Mashpee Reservation Office at 508-477-8600. Reservations cannot be made or changed at our terminals or on the website at this time.”
It’s a busy time of year for people coming to and from the Island. In other parts of the country, school is over for the year and vacations are underway. June is also a busy month for weddings on the Island.
Ferry service itself has been mostly unaffected by the hack. Ferry crossings on the Martha’s Vineyard to Woods Hole route have only had minor delays.
The SSA has said little about who did the hack or how it occurred. On Friday, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, during a visit to Woods Hole, said it was Russians who attacked the SSA. Later that day, his staff walked back those comments saying Markey had no access to such intelligence.
“The Steamship Authority is continuing to work with our team internally, as well as with local, state, and federal officials externally, to address the June 2, 2021, ransomware incident,” the release states. “Our investigation into this incident is ongoing, and with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity and forensic investigators we are working to determine the full nature and scope of the event. We will continue to provide updates as appropriate.”
Ransomware attacks have hit the fuel and meat business, as well.
According to Tuesday’s press release, the SSA’s reservation office will have extended hours through Friday to assist customers. The office will be open from 7 am to 6 pm on those days.
“At this time, we are accepting new reservations or changes to existing reservations for travel for either vehicles or passengers on our fast ferry occurring between June 9, 2021, and June 15, 2021, only,” the release states. “If any segment of your travel or planned travel occurs between those dates, you may now call the Reservation Office. We will start accepting requests for reservation for travel beyond those dates in the near future.”
Reservations are not being accepted for Tuesday, June 8. Anyone looking to travel on Tuesday would either have to already have a reservation or do it on a standby basis.
“We continue to honor existing reservations at Authority terminals, and rescheduling and cancellation fees are waived,” Driscoll wrote. “Scheduled trips to and from the islands continue to operate safely as scheduled, although some delays in the ticketing process may occur. We will continue to work to accommodate customers as soon as possible who need to travel for an urgent medical need.”
The SSA is still recommending that customers bring cash to speed the process. Some credit card availability remains in place, he wrote.
“We thank our customers for their continued patience,” Driscoll wrote.
I am not a subscriber of the `Times` but at least we can comment on the brief headline they allow us to see..
I say, “Now the SSA knows our feelings of being in the grips of them and being able to do nothing but $ PAY $.
Totally agree. I don’t know if they have a legal monopoly or whatever the case might be, but the rising prices and substandard service for islanders who have no choice but to pay it is appalling.
The SSA is just one of many transportation providers to the Island.
Did you enjoy the Jan- Feb service prior to the SSA?
To my knowledge, the SSA is the only year-round provider, thus able to give substandard service and continually raise prices without much consequence. Is there another provider they compete with on a year round basis? If not, they have no incentive to improve.