On April 2, 2024, Jackson County tweeted that it had identified significant disruptions within its IT systems, "potentially attributable to a ransomware attack". Jackson County is one of 114 counties in Missouri, with a population of approximately 718,000 people, mostly in Kansas City.
> We have identified significant disruptions within our IT systems, potentially attributable to a ransomware attack. Departments impacted so far include Assessment, Records, & Collections. Offices will be closed until further notice.<https://t.co/kyRMmwtiTj> pic.twitter.com/piOt3khPK8
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> โ Jackson County MO (@JacksonCountyMO) April 2, 2024
The tweet explains that the attack has affected systems dealing with "tax payments and online property, marriage license and inmate searches," and says that "the Assessment, Collection and Recorder of Deeds offices at all County locations will be closed until further notice."
The Kansas City Board of Elections and Jackson County Board of Elections are not affected. County officials also confirmed that the compromised systems did not store residents' financial data.
> "In its commitment to protect residents, Jackson County prioritizes the security of sensitive financial information and does not keep any such data on its systems. Instead, these crucial details are securely handled and stored by our trusted partner, Payit."
On the same date an executive order declared a state of emergency. The state of emergency exists to help officials investigate and take necessary measures without the need for the usual requirements of competitive bidding. And it allows them to make appropriations from the Countyโs emergency fund, and additional financial adjustments, to address the requirements imposed by the emergency.
Today, the official Jackson County site says that the Jackson County offices will remain closed through Friday April 5.
Even though it looks like the county had its emergency plans ready and the county associates, especially those within the IT department, played a critical role in mitigating the impact of the attack, the impact of such a ransomware attack is not to be underestimated.
The County is investigating the security breach with the help of law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts. So far, there is no information available about the ransomware group that is behind this attack, but weโll keep you posted.
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