The authorities in the state of Maryland are currently under investigation for a cyber attack that has affected the information systems used to coordinate transport services for individuals with disabilities. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) issued a warning on their social media platforms and website regarding unauthorized access to certain internal services.
Despite the cyber attack, the main transportation routes such as buses, metro, and the light rail are still operating as usual. However, certain services within the Mobility program, which caters to individuals who require special assistance in transportation, have been affected. This program provides personalized transport services from the passenger’s home to their desired destination and is managed through an online platform.
The MTA has announced that the Mobility system is currently not accepting new applications and existing reservations cannot be accessed. Disruptions have also been reported in the call centers, information services, and real-time transport tracking systems.
As a temporary solution, the MTA is advising passengers who need to make new reservations to utilize the Call-a-RIDE program, which is accessible through their website or a mobile app. The state management center, IT department, and other relevant agencies have been mobilized to address the situation.
In response to the cyber attack, third-party cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies have been engaged to assess the extent of the damage and mitigate its impact. As of now, no specific hacker group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Similar incidents have occurred in other states like Missouri and Virginia in the past two years, prompting local authorities to implement temporary measures to ensure continued accessibility of transportation services for individuals with disabilities.