18-02-2025
Michigan casino chain remains closed 9 days after ransomware attack
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — More than a week after a data security breach , Kewadin Casinos' five locations in the Upper Peninsula remain in the dark.
A ransomware attack was discovered Feb. 9 by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, forcing it to shut down virtually all of its services, including its casinos. The tribe is still unable to access its computer systems or central phone lines.
Michigan casino chain forced to shut down after ransomware attack
'Guests with existing hotel reservations only may reach us at 906.440.8245,' . 'When needed, guests will receive refunds when our system is online.'
On top of lost revenue from the casinos, the tribe has been forced to cancel several events and is doing everything it can to keep essential services available for its members, including health centers and pharmacies.
Tribal Chairman Austin Lowes told News 8 affiliate last week that the tribe hoped to have the problem resolved within the week but was prepared for it to take longer. Now, according to a report from , Lowes expects the shut down to last several more days.
'Right now, we expect the tribe will continue to operate in a limited capacity for up to another week,' Lowes told UpNorthLive Monday. 'We also understand there is a desire for our membership to know the details of what happened and the specifics around what is being done to fix it. Unfortunately, given that this is an ongoing attack, we cannot share further details at this time.'
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is a type of malicious hardware that locks users out of computer files, systems or networks and 'demands a ransom' to get it back. The FBI says there are several ways to unknowingly download ransomware onto a computer — anything from opening an email attachment, a pop-up ad or even visiting a website that has embedded malware.
Kewadin Casinos has five locations across the U.P.: Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas and Hessel.
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