What would you do if your MLS data was locked up and not accessable? What happens if all of your historical data is wiped out?
Ransomware is the online form of the bully’s game of keep-away. Your files become the hostage You have no access to your documents, photos, etc. Those files are still on your computer, right in front of you, but they’re encrypted, making them unreadable. In 2017, the average ransom demand was US$522 — a high price to pay for getting your own property back.
Here is the public statement from Metrolist, the MLS with the ransomware issue yesterday.
My take:
The Metrolist system was down for a short period of time and recovered with what appears to be little loss of data.
Response by the team at Metrolist minmized any damage to the businesses of the subscribers and participants.
A forensic study will be completed and "lessons learned" will be published to the Industry, which might just prove to be a blessing in disguise for all.
From Metrolist and provided to all of its users:
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MetroList Update on Cyber Attack as of June 12th at 11:30 am
On June 11th at 12:30 am the Prospector MLS system was hit by a cyber-attack. Upon learning about the cyber-attack, MetroList implemented its crisis communications program and began the start of its disaster data recovery plan. Throughout the day and night, the MetroList team worked diligently, at a fast pace, to recover and restore the data. Over the continuing course of the restore process, the Prospector MLS system may periodically go offline while other systems are also being restored. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, but please know that our team is working tirelessly to minimize system downtime.
A couple of important notes:
1) Some photos from existing listings may take 12 to 24 hours to restore from June 12th.
2) Please check your listings to ensure accuracy. Make any adjustments as needed.
3) At this time there is no indication that any data was compromised. We are working with a forensic security firm to ensure the continuing safety of the data.
4) You can also check our Facebook page or Prospector for periodic updates.
We greatly appreciate your patience and kind words of support while we work through the restoration process.
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