Western Digital Restores Local Access to My Cloud After Cyber Attack
Western Digital has struggled for six days to restore My Cloud cloud service after a cyber attack. Due to numerous complaints and leadership level escalation, the company has provided users access to network data storage devices locally. Previously, the company argued that local device access required cloud authorization for security reasons. However, for its My Cloud OS5 products (the My Cloud PR and E series series), local access is now activated and works without additional authentication on the company’s servers.
Owners of My Cloud Home, My Cloud Home Duo and Sandisk IBI products are currently experiencing service interruptions, making it difficult to access files and use applications, including mobile, desktop and web applications. During maintenance downtime, users can access locally stored files via the “Local access” function.
Local access allows the direct access of personal files from a Windows or MacOS computer connected to the same network as the user’s device. Users need to access the device panel through any browser, turn on the local access function and create a local account. Detailed instructions are published on the company’s website.
Western Digital is striving to reduce service disruption and will provide updates as they become available. The company apologizes for any inconvenience caused and thanks users for their patience.
The full list of disconnected services includes My Cloud, My Cloud Home, My Cloud Home Duo, My Cloud OS 5, Sandisk Ibi and Sandisk Ixpand Wireless Charger, as well as all mobile, desktop and web-related apps.
Responding to media requests and user inquiries, Western Digital provides template answers referring to network service failures and insured messages that will be sent after services are restored. On April 3, the storage device manufacturer reported a “Network Security incident” involving unauthorized access. It is claimed that the hack occurred on March 26, allowing an unnamed third party to gain access to a number of the company’s internal systems.
Users of Western Digital cloud storage facilities have called upon the company’s management via social media platforms to rectify the serious failure and enable access to their home devices.