562.570.NEWS
JIC@longbeach.gov
Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has restored most of its internet connections, network and systems, including the main website, which were taken offline on Nov. 15, 2023, out of an abundance of caution after the City learned of a network security incident targeting the City. The City continues the process of restoring internet connections and systems securely in a planned and sequential method to ensure that systems function properly.
“The restoration of our City network has been crafted meticulously and sequentially to ensure that all systems are functioning properly and will be safeguarded against any potential vulnerabilities as we resume normal operations,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. "As a full-service city, we recognize the importance of uninterrupted access to online services for our residents, businesses and visitors. We understand the inconvenience caused by the temporary disruption. We thank you for your understanding and patience, and we assure our community that great effort has been made to resecure our systems.”
Since systems were taken offline, a large contingent of City staff from the Department of Technology and Innovation (TID) have been working tirelessly on a multitude of related workstreams and tasks, including those associated with properly bringing systems back online. While systems were offline, TID assessed potential vulnerabilities and implemented additional security measures, beyond the existing measures already in place, to contain the threat. With the assistance of third-party cyber security professionals, TID facilitated deployment of additional security technology to enhance detection, response and monitoring.
Most website content, including general information and department webpages, is now publicly accessible on the City’s main website, with the majority of online services becoming available over the next several hours and into the coming days. City services are being brought online slowly and there are several steps involved including restoring regularly occurring processes between systems and testing the systems to ensure full functionality. In addition, staff are working to reestablish connectivity with outside partners. This restoration work will continue for several days, and therefore accessibility for several enterprise functions remain offline, including Utility bill payment processing and most digital amenities offered by the Long Beach Public Library. As a reminder, Utility billing late fees and shutoffs for non-payment have been suspended. Customers are still unable to make payments online, over the phone, or at any previously established offsite locations. All previously scheduled customer service operations will continue but could be delayed. In addition, once all systems are online, there will likely be some backlogs and some catch-up processes required to return to normal operations. While the City will work to identify other public services normally available online, residents are encouraged to report any online service disruptions by calling 562.570.INFO (4636).
The City remained committed to continuing to serve the public while many of its systems and main website were offline. While most core City services were unaffected by the network security incident and continued to operate as usual, TID partnered with City departments to identify interim solutions to ensure continuance of City services during this time. Regular information and updates were provided to the community, customers, partners and media by phone, email and via social media to keep everyone informed on interim operational changes.
The investigation of the network security incident remains ongoing and it could take several weeks or months to conclude the investigation. Due to the nature of the network security incident and active investigation, most of the information relating to the investigation must remain confidential. The City will continue to provide regular updates as appropriate.
The City is committed to keeping the public informed of any new developments and potential impacts to public services and to the community. Any pertinent updates will be provided as the investigation continues. Incident information will continue to be available via the homepage of www.longbeach.gov. People may also call 562.570.INFO (4636) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, excluding City holidays, for up-to-date information.
Members of the community are also encouraged to follow the City’s social pages on Facebook, X and Instagram with #LBAlert for updates.