Garmin shut down due to Ransom Ware

[EA37TS]

I tried updating my Garmin RV GPS a couple of days ago and kept getting a message that the update server could not be reached. Did a web search and found out that Garmin was hit with a Ransom Ware attack and everything is down to include their phone line. Now going on day three, at least, and no idea when the update server will be restored.

[robkelly]

Sorry to hear about your issues, but thanks for the update/warning. We’ll avoid trying to update for a while.

[norty1]

Me too! Since I have free map updates, I have been updating it before every trip and I did get an update completed in early July. I'll wait awhile before trying again.

[EA37TS]

I have an appointment at Jayco Factory Service on Aug 10 and was trying to update before the trip. Hopefully they will be up and running within a few days.

[pconroy]

Latest report is that the ransomware thieves want ten million dollars.


Ransomware is a horrible threat to our economy.
The perpetrators need to be dealt with harshly.

[m2bandit]

Garmin Inreach functionality is down.
Their tracking site is up but my gps can't send points.

[JimD]

Wow! I lucked out by updating last month. I typically do updates once or twice a year. Please let us know if their problem is resolved.

You would think a company like Garmin would have a full computer backup that could be restored in the event of a crash or, in this case, a ransomware attack.

[Jagiven]

DW has a garmin watch that wont sync too. She said airplanes are grounded, as the garmin systems in those plans are not working correctly too. Not good.

[TxLoser]

Interesting. I’ll have to look into this. The plane I fly runs on a Garmin avionics system.

Edit: looks like our planes are still good. Must’ve taken place between database updates.

This is a big deal given all the people around the world using Garmin to find their way.

[m2bandit]

Originally Posted by JimD

You would think a company like Garmin would have a full computer backup that could be restored in the event of a crash or, in this case, a ransomware attack.

Oh I'm sure they do, atleast nightly. They don't know how long they've been infected though. Every bit of code has to be checked.

How many changes have been made to the database since infection? how many transactions? How much are they losing per day while they figure it out? How much are they losing in customer relations? How much value are they losing for their shareholders?

[RetiredOne]

I was surprised to hear this, with a company the size of Garmin. This is huge!

...."(CNN)Garmin (GRMN), the GPS and wearable device company, says a widespread blackout has left its fitness devices, website and call centers offline for more than 24 hours in what may be a ransomware attack."We are currently experiencing an outage that affects Garmin.com and Garmin Connect," the company announced on Twitter and the Garmin Connect website. "This outage also affects our call centers, and we are currently unable to receive any calls, emails or online chats."

Since Thursday, however, the outage has prevented new downloads of the app, and the website was still shut down as of midday Friday Eastern Time.

Aviation also appears to have been affected. The tech news website ZDNet reports that pilots were unable to download the newest version of Garmin's GPS software, flyGarmin, which the FAA requires to be up-to-date. The Garmin Pilot app, which pilots use to plan flight paths, was also down.

[TaftCoach]

Interesting quandry for Garmin. Technically paying the ransom would violate US trade sanctions against the company.

[EA37TS]

Apparently the issue has been resolved. I was able to update the GPS tonight.

[poohbear]

Originally Posted by TxLoser

Interesting. I’ll have to look into this. The plane I fly runs on a Garmin avionics system.

Edit: looks like our planes are still good. Must’ve taken place between database updates.

This is a big deal given all the people around the world using Garmin to find their way.

Garmin Express to download IFR updates got back up yesterday

[TaftCoach]

I wonder if they paid?

The news articles were interesting. The lead and first few paragraphs were always about runs and rides not being uploaded, all about the fitness apps. Then, by the way, pilots are having issues and some planes are grounded. Lol