Photo: Getty Images
Due to the impacts to some City systems from the worldwide Microsoft CrowdStrike software outage, Mayor Ted Wheeler issued an Emergency Declaration at 3:00 am today, allowing for immediate response and resources to get City systems back to fully operational levels.
CrowdStrike is a global cybersecurity provider, and this problem is affecting systems and organizations globally, including the City of Portland.
Overnight, some of the City’s computers and servers were affected, including the Bureau of Emergency Communication Computer Aided Dispatch system. After briefly switching to manual call-taking, the CAD system is back up and running as of 6 a.m. Friday.
At no time was the community’s ability to make 911 calls impacted. The critical, life-saving services of public safety bureaus, including Police and Fire & Rescue, continue.
Since the outage was reported late Thursday evening, the City’s Bureau of Technology Services has been working round the clock to get affected computers and systems back online.
"I am grateful to the Bureau of Emergency Management and Bureau of Technology Services staff who quickly responded to the outage to help ensure continuation of critical city services," said Mayor Wheeler. "I am continuing to receive regular updates and we are closely monitoring the situation." "The city's contingency plans for technology outages prepared us for this ongoing situation," said Interim City Administrator Michael Jordan. "We continue to work under a State of Emergency as we resolve this issue."
The City of Portland’s Bureaus of Technology Services and Emergency Management are continuing to assess any additional effects to Bureaus Friday morning and remain ready to support wherever needed. Additionally, the Bureau of Emergency Management has partially activated an Emergency Coordination Center to help coordinate a citywide response to this emergency.
As we continue to resolve this issue across all City systems, community members might experience delays in communication or service delivery because of this outage. Call 3-1-1 or 503-823-4000 to reach the City of Portland to help answer questions, take non-emergency reports, or make connections with City staff.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigations have reported the potential for cyber criminals exploiting this emergency as an opportunity to conduct criminal activities through impersonation of CrowdStrike personnel. Please be mindful of this when engaging with unsolicited communications to address this issue.
Source: City of Portland