The website for Forks Township-based Famous Smoke Shop is running again after it was temporarily shut down due to a cyber attack.
The company was the victim of a ransomware attack, according to CEO Arthur Zaretsky. Its data was scrambled, and the cyberattackers said they’d restore it if they were paid a ransom, Zaretsky said Monday.
About 1,500 companies globally were victims of ransomware attacks over the Fourth of July weekend.
The attack also shut down the store and lounge at 90 Mort Drive in Forks Township.
A message on the company website said, “We’re back and open for business.” It thanked customers for their patience and support.
Zaretsky said Monday it would take weeks to undo the damage caused by the attack even after the data was restored.
A tweet from Famous Smoke said there may be occasional interruptions of service on the website.
The company was investigating whether personal information from customers was compromised during the data breach. An email to customers warned that their names, mailing addresses, email addresses, dates of birth and order histories may have been leaked. It’s unclear whether that investigation has concluded. Famous Smoke said no financial data from customers was ever at risk.
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Rudy Miller may be reached at [email protected].
