NEW ORLEANS — A ransomware cyberattack that crippled New Orleans' computer networks in December has already cost the city more than $7 million.
Past and projected future expenses for the cyberattack are expected to come to at least $7,123,500, according to documents attached to Tuesday's agenda for the agenda of the New Orleans City Council's monthly budget committee meeting.
The city says about half of the costs are covered by insurance.
Most of the costs come from fixing the city's email services and network infrastructure.
Earlier this week, the city reached an important milestone in its recovery from the crippling Dec. 13 cyberattack: all computers and servers are clean and are back in operation.
Information Technology Director Kim LaGrue said city employees can now use email and the Internet, and begin the painstaking process of retrieving data. Many city departments are now faced with the task of transferring pen-and-paper reports into the electronic systems that were used before the attack.
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play..