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Jackson County, Missouri Responds to Potential Ransomware Attack
Jackson County, Missouri has recently declared a state of emergency and indefinitely shut down key offices due to an alleged ransomware attack that has rendered some of its IT systems nonfunctional. County officials made a statement indicating that significant disruptions have been identified within the IT infrastructure, suggesting the possibility of a ransomware attack. This incident has led to operational inconsistencies across digital systems, with certain systems being rendered inoperative while others continue to operate normally.
Effect on County Services
Among the affected services are tax and online property payments, issuance of marriage licenses, and inmate searches. Consequently, the Assessment, Collection and Recorder of Deeds offices at all county locations have been closed until further notice. It’s crucial to note that the closure coincides with a special election day to vote on a proposed sales tax to support a new stadium for MLB’s Kansas City Royals and the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. Fortunately, neither the Jackson County Board of Elections nor the Kansas City Board of Elections have been impacted by the attack and remain operational.
Incidence of Ransomware Attacks
As per Brett Callow, a threat analyst with security firm Emsisoft, this year alone has witnessed ransomware attacks on 28 county, municipal, or tribal governments, showcasing a concerning trend. Comparatively, 95 attacks were recorded last year, indicating a steady increase in such cyber threats.
Response and Investigation
The response to the ransomware attack and subsequent investigation are still in their early stages. However, officials have stated that they have not found any evidence indicating data compromise. Teams are diligently working with cybersecurity partners to conduct thorough diagnostic procedures and identify the root cause of the disruption. Although ransomware is presumed as a potential cause, detailed analyses are ongoing to ascertain the exact nature of the incident.
Jackson County Executive, Frank White Jr., issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency to address the potential fiscal implications of the attack. This could necessitate appropriations from the County’s emergency fund and additional budget adjustments to mitigate the situation. All county staff have been directed to take necessary measures to safeguard resident data, protect county assets, and ensure continuity of essential services amidst the potential ransomware impact.
The attack was initially brought to light on Tuesday morning through an announcement on the county’s social media channels. Law enforcement has been informed, and IT security contractors have been engaged to assist in investigating and remediating the attack. Jackson County officials acknowledge the inconvenience caused by the closures to residents and seek their patience and understanding during this challenging period.
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