Mededeling
ALMA Services Affected by Cyberattack
2 november 2022
Update (18 Nov 2022)
This event is under investigation by local authorities.
The Computing team quickly isolated the Antennas and Correlator systems and the Science Archive data systems. However, communication and other operational clusters were affected, forcing ALMA to stop all observations.
Since then, email communication has been restored safely, along with new collaboration tools that enable the staff to continue their regular work.
The Crisis Management Team has developed a full-recovery plan in consultation with cyber security officers from ESO/NAOJ/NRAO. Our highest priority is to work hard to resume observations before the end of the year.
Last Saturday, 29 October, at 6:14 AM (GMT-3), the ALMA observatory in Chile suffered a cyberattack on its computer systems, forcing the suspension of astronomical observations and the public website. There are limited email services at the observatory. The threat has been contained, and our specialists are working hard to restore affected systems. The attack did not compromise the ALMA antennas or any scientific data. Given the nature of the episode, it is not yet possible to estimate a timeline for a return to regular activities. We are thankful for the support and understanding across the ALMA partnership and apologize for any inconveniences resulting from the recovery efforts.
Contact
Nicolas Lira Turpaud
Education & Public Outreach Coordinator
ALMA Observatory
Tel: +56 2 24 67 65 19
Email: Nicolas.Lira@alma.cl
Juan Carlos Muñoz Mateos
ESO Media Officer
Garching bei München, Germany
Tel: +49 89 3200 6176
Email: press@eso.org
