Malicious software hits Charlton computer network

CHARLTON - The Charlton town government's computer network was attacked with malicious software Friday, leading to frozen documents, emails and main servers.

"We are not the only city or town in the state has been attacked," Town Administrator Robin Craver said. "There also does not seem to have been anything we could have done to prevent this."

Town staff and administrators are working to restore the system, Ms. Craver said Tuesday. The FBI and the town's insurer have been notified.

"We've contacted our insurance company," Ms. Craver said. "They've connected us to a cyber espionage group that will be helping us."

Since the attack, town employees and officials have not been able to send or receive emails. Department heads met Tuesday morning to discuss the situation.

"To our knowledge, no personal information has been copied or removed," according to a press release.

Ms. Craver said she wanted to "commend the town staff and systems administrators.

"They've been working around the clock since last Friday," Ms. Craver said. "It's been all hands on deck."

Emergency Services, 911 calls, and the payroll system were not affected in the attack.

All meetings that were planned for Tuesday and Wednesdsay will be rescheduled once the system is restored, she said. Town offices will remain open during regular business hours and can be reached by phone.

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