Internal network and internet outage causes disruptions to City of Flint online services

The City of Flint is experiencing an internal network and internet outage caused by a criminal ransomware attack. Disruptions began in the early hours of Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

The FBI and Attorney General’s Office are involved in the investigation. The City’s IT Department is working with cyber security experts to better understand what has occurred and what to expect as progress is made to restore service. The City does not yet have a timeline for restoration.

We are investigating whether resident or employee personal data has been impacted. As always, we encourage individuals to take action to protect themselves from identity theft.

Municipalities and organizations across Michigan have been hit by cyber attacks in recent months. While unfortunate for all, this means that the City of Flint can bring tested resources to bear in its response.

“We are working hard to resolve this issue and to minimize disruption for Flint residents,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “I want to thank our staff and partners for their hard work.”

Service Impacts

This list of service impacts will be continuously updated as progress is made with the network disruption. We expect gaps in service and continuous changes, and we appreciate residents’ patience as we work to fully restore service.

Public Safety

Emergency services, including 911, dispatch, law enforcement, and fire operations, are fully operational and unaffected.

Payments

• The City of Flint is able to receive payments by cash and check only at this time.
• The City of Flint’s BS&A system is currently offline and the City is unable to receive online or credit card payments for water, sewer, and tax payments.
• No late fees or penalties will be assessed, and no water shutoffs will happen during this time period.

Email, Phone, and Voicemail

• Some City employees are able to access email.
• The City phone system is experiencing gaps in service. Please call during normal business hours and be patient if you are not able to reach us right away.
• Voicemail is working intermittently, and some messages may have been lost.
• View the City Directory: https://www.cityofflint.com/city-directory/

Website Access

The City’s website is hosted on a separate server and is generally intact for visiting and navigation. Some linked platforms are unavailable, including BS&A (the City’s billing system) and GIS maps.

Public Works

Public Works services are fully operational, including waste collection, street maintenance, water and sewer utilities, and blight elimination.

Public Health

The Office of Public Health is fully operational. Flint residents can pick up free water testing kits and water filters at Flint City Hall or the City of Flint Service Center on Clio Rd.