Frontier Communications forced to take systems offline following a major cyber attack

American telecommunications company Frontier Communications said it experienced a data security incident that disrupted operations and forced it to take systems offline.

 

In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the telecom firm said that on April 14, it identified unauthorised access to its internal network. The company immediately launched an investigation and engaged third party cyber security experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident.

 

It also “initiated its previously established cyber incident response protocols and took measures to contain the incident.”

 

“As part of this process, the containment measures, which included shutting down certain of the Company’s systems, resulted in an operational disruption that could be considered material,” reads Frontier’s filing with the SEC. 

 

“Based on the Company’s investigation, it has determined that the third party was likely a cybercrime group, which gained access to, among other information, personally identifiable information.”

 

While the telecom provider said that it has restored affected systems and is in the process of regaining complete operational functionality, the cyber security incident affected its official website and mobile app.

 

A message displayed on the telecom company’s website stated that it had experienced an internal technical issue, however, “residential and business networks are not affected.”

 

After a number of subscribers complained on social media about disruption to internet services, Frontier gave a generic reply to the social media posts, stating that it is experiencing technical issues and is working to resolve it as soon as possible. The company is yet to share more details on the cyber attack but said its investigation is ongoing.

 

“The Company continues to investigate the incident, has engaged cybersecurity experts, and has notified law enforcement authorities. The Company does not believe the incident is reasonably likely to materially impact the Company’s financial condition or results of operations,” Frontier added.