Martin County tax collector still silent amid cyberattack | WPEC
Martin County tax collector still silent amid cyberattack
by Stefany ValderramaFriday, October 29th 2021
UserWay icon for accessibility widget
CBS12 News is still waiting to hear back from the Martin County Tax Collector about a cyberattack. (WPEC)
5
VIEW ALL PHOTOS
View All Photos
CBS12 News is still waiting to hear back from the Martin County Tax Collector about a cyberattack. (WPEC)
Facebook Share Icon
Twitter Share Icon
Email Share Icon
STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — CBS12 News is still waiting to hear back from the Martin County Tax Collector about a cyberattack.
CBS12 News has been reaching out for more than a week, but the only time it's been addressed is on a Facebook post that said in part "steps are being taken to address the problem."
"We've been here probably four times now," said Mary Callahan.
Callahan tells CBS12 News she just recently moved to Martin County from Massachusetts and just wants to switch her car tags to Florida, so she can insure her car in the state. But she's growing frustrated that the Tax Collectors office is closed.
"I'm not really sure what's going on," she said.
She's not the only one.
ALSO READ: Attempted carjacking at Florida Subway caught on camera
Assistant County Administrator George Stokus says county leaders haven't heard much from the Tax Collectors office since the early hours of Oct. 17, when they were notified of a network security threat.
"I have not spoken to the tax collectors office, I don't know if it's ransomware. We don't have any verification," he told CBS12 News.
As far as who is behind the cyberattack and what information was compromised, it's been crickets from the Tax Collector according to Stokus. He does know they hired a private security firm.
Stokus tells CBS12 News the Tax Collectors office doesn't fall under the county's umbrella, so none of their networks are connected to the county. The county only provides phone and internet service.
However, a cyber threat is still a huge concern, because it's the county's responsibility to protect the residents and their private information.
"Has the tax collectors come to the county and asked for help during this?" Asked CBS12 News Reporter Stefany Valderrama.
"As of today, I don't believe so," said Stokus. "I think what ultimately our goal is, we want our residents to know the county is doing the best to protect their assets as much as we can."
For now, residents are encouraged to go to the St. Lucie County Tax Collectors Office for any services they may need.
by Stefany ValderramaFriday, October 29th 2021
UserWay icon for accessibility widget
CBS12 News is still waiting to hear back from the Martin County Tax Collector about a cyberattack. (WPEC)
5
VIEW ALL PHOTOS
View All Photos
CBS12 News is still waiting to hear back from the Martin County Tax Collector about a cyberattack. (WPEC)
Facebook Share Icon
Twitter Share Icon
Email Share Icon
STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — CBS12 News is still waiting to hear back from the Martin County Tax Collector about a cyberattack.
CBS12 News has been reaching out for more than a week, but the only time it's been addressed is on a Facebook post that said in part "steps are being taken to address the problem."
"We've been here probably four times now," said Mary Callahan.
Callahan tells CBS12 News she just recently moved to Martin County from Massachusetts and just wants to switch her car tags to Florida, so she can insure her car in the state. But she's growing frustrated that the Tax Collectors office is closed.
"I'm not really sure what's going on," she said.
She's not the only one.
ALSO READ: Attempted carjacking at Florida Subway caught on camera
Assistant County Administrator George Stokus says county leaders haven't heard much from the Tax Collectors office since the early hours of Oct. 17, when they were notified of a network security threat.
"I have not spoken to the tax collectors office, I don't know if it's ransomware. We don't have any verification," he told CBS12 News.
As far as who is behind the cyberattack and what information was compromised, it's been crickets from the Tax Collector according to Stokus. He does know they hired a private security firm.
Stokus tells CBS12 News the Tax Collectors office doesn't fall under the county's umbrella, so none of their networks are connected to the county. The county only provides phone and internet service.
However, a cyber threat is still a huge concern, because it's the county's responsibility to protect the residents and their private information.
"Has the tax collectors come to the county and asked for help during this?" Asked CBS12 News Reporter Stefany Valderrama.
"As of today, I don't believe so," said Stokus. "I think what ultimately our goal is, we want our residents to know the county is doing the best to protect their assets as much as we can."
For now, residents are encouraged to go to the St. Lucie County Tax Collectors Office for any services they may need.
