Angel Ellis/Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma– A discussion held in the May 7, Business, Justice and Finance meeting has lead to confirmation that the Muscogee (Creek) Nations recent I.T. issues that the tribe experienced was a cyber security incident. The tribe along with forensic experts and law enforcement are still investigating the incident.
MCN Press Secretary Jason Salsman confirmed that the incident took place on April 24. MCN personnel received internal communications that day stating that the tribe would close operations for the remainder of the day due to I.T issues.
For several days following the announcement many departments reported issues with e-mails.
“Immediately upon learning of this incident, the Nation engaged a leading computer forensics firm that got together with law enforcement both tribal and outside law enforcement agencies to lead an investigation into the matter,” Salsman said. “That incident is still under investigation.”
“At this time we don’t have any indications or reports that tribal citizens or employees personal information has been used for identity theft or fraud stemming from this incident.”
He also said that for now, the specific details of the investigation could not be discussed.
“Since this is an ongoing investigation and we will provide updates as we obtain them and get the relevant information out,” Salsman said. “But because this is an ongoing matter, we are not releasing any specific details at this time.”
“We don’t want to compromise the effectiveness of this investigation.”
Salsman said the focus of the Executive Branch is to bring the responsible party to justice.
“We don’t want to compromise any progress that has been made so far,” Salsman said.
In the weekly press briefing hosted by Mvskoke Media and published to the media departments YouTube channel, Salsman said that the I.T. department was handling the situation well.
“Again, I don’t want to jeopardize where we are at in this process,” Salsman said. “But the I.T. department has done a fantastic job of getting us back to operational to a great percentage, I just can’t an exact number on it.”
Mvskoke Media will continue to monitor the topic and deliver updates as they become available.
