LTC 055-2005 Citywide Computer Virus
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. 0')')-2005
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From:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez ~ q/--6'
City Manager
CITYWIDE COMP ER VIRUS
Date: February 24, 2005
To:
Subject:
Our IT Team has been battling multiple virus attacks to our network since early Tuesday
morning. Although all of the City's computers are protected by up to date versions of
enterprise level anti-virus software, these viruses have impacted our computers in a
systemic and recurring way. Seven different virus strains have been identified thus far,
some masked by others and some so deep in our computers that after a virus scan
identifies and removes the virus, it regenerates when the computer is next started.
Symantec, our anti-virus software company, has advised that there is no enterprise
solution available for this insidious type of multi-strain attack and that the only remedy is to
manually clean each computer and then reconnect it to the network. Additionally, we have
learned that multi-strain virus attacks were launched against the State of Florida offices
and the city of Charlotte, North Carolina over the past few weeks. In each case the
successful remedy involved the manual cleaning of each computer.
Our IT team has been dedicated to the eradication and cleansing of all the City's
computers and the network, literally working around the clock since Tuesday, to
expeditiously minimize the impact of the viruses. Further, we have contacted existing
service providers with specialties in the area of security to insure the most expeditious
approach and solution is pursued.
As we move through the numerous and changing issues that we encounter it may be
necessary, to temporarily disconnect certain facilities in the City from the network, restrict
Citywide internet access and/or email services. The City's website does not appear to be
impacted and should internet access for City computers be temporarily restricted, the
website will remain operational. As a last resort, we may determine that we must
temporarily bring the entire network down to implement a "cure" and insure that all viruses
have been eradicated. To that end, we are working to isolate all public safety systems in a
"virtual network" to protect these systems from infection and to insure their stability and
availability.
Your cooperation and patience is appreciated.
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