Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality is investigating a cyberattack but has not confirmed if hackers stole data, specifically declining to comment on whether the ransomware group Rhysida was involved. The agency has refrained from ransom negotiations and promised to release more information once verified details are available. The cyberattack, which was announced two weeks ago, disrupted various services, including vehicle inspections and agency emails, but most servers are now operational. Employees, who initially lacked laptops, are now mostly working on them as the department works to rebuild potentially compromised servers and computers. Rhysida has been linked to several recent cyberattacks, including those targeting Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Columbus, Ohio.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is investigating a cyberattack but has not confirmed data theft, nor have they named the ransomware group Rhysida as responsible.

The agency stated it has not engaged in ransom talks and will provide more details once there is verified information available.

The cyberattack, announced two weeks ago, caused interruptions in services such as vehicle smog inspections and agency emails, but most systems have been restored.

Initially, many employees were working from their phones due to a lack of laptops, but now most are operating on laptops as the department addresses the breach.

The department is rebuilding potentially affected servers and computers to eliminate any infected files and ensure system integrity.

Rhysida has been associated with previous cyberattacks, including those on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the city of Columbus, Ohio.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality regulates environmental aspects such as air, water, and land quality, making the attack a significant concern.