Ransomware Hit County Government Hard…
After a vicious ransomware attack, the Licking County websites, phones, computers and county’s network have been taken offline. The systems are projected to remain offline until the end of this week. The problem was discovered Tuesday evening, and critical systems were immediately taken offline. The specific ransomware variant is not being disclosed, nor is the payment demand.
Commissioner Tim Bubb made the following statement to The Columbus Dispatch regarding paying the ransom,
“It’s not an insignificant amount of money. Officials will consult with the cyber insurance company to determine whether the county would pay the ransom. Obviously we have to concur, but generally speaking, they deal with this all the time, so we’re going to be very thoughtful about whatever they recommend.”
Bubb also reported that technicians are currently working on restoring the systems with back ups. The plan is for these individuals to work all day, every day, until the problem is fixed.
It is our most sincere hope, they do not pay these cyber criminals. Paying the ransom does not guarantee they will send the decryption keys. It also places a target on your back, because you paid once–you’ll likely pay again. Lastly, it only positively reinforces their criminal behaviors.
Ransomware Attacks
To see a full list of ransomware attacks that have taken place in 2017, you can click here. We have also created a ransomware map, see below, of the ransomware attacks that have taken place in the U.S.
