Hinds County computer system remains under ransomware attack
Hinds County computer system remains under ransomware attack
Cyberattack 'catastrophic for the county,' administrator says
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WAPT logoUpdated: 7:20 PM CDT Sep 11, 2023
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Ross Adams
Investigative Reporter
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HINDS COUNTY, Miss. —
Cybercriminals hacked Hinds County computer servers in a huge ransomware attack last week, forcing the shutdown of many county agencies.
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"What we're finding out now is this is actually catastrophic for the county," said Hinds County Administrator Kenny Wayne Jones.
Jones said the county hired a private company to help get to the bottom of the incident.
"This could turn into weeks," Jones said. "It's not a quick fix on any of this by any means. We don't know how long it's going to take."
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In the meantime, county officials are looking for ways to find a workaround until they can get the system back online.
"We're communicating by email now because those are not our servers. We're looking for alternative ways to be able to provide some of the basic services that the county is doing," Jones said.
Hinds County Tax Collector Eddie Fair said people will not be penalized because of the attack.
"We will waive those days so that they can take care of the business they need to take care of because it wasn't their fault. It's our fault," Fair said.
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Despite the shutdown, Jones said they have to keep criminal trials moving. The Hinds County District Attorney's Office may be able to use state servers to get online to access critical information.
County leaders said people behind the computer hack sent them a phone number to call to find out how much the ransom is. Officials contacted federal authorities.
U.S. Homeland Security and the FBI are investigating.
Jones said firewalls were installed to keep cybercriminals out of the system after a similar attack a few years ago.
"Sometimes it's just not enough for sophisticated cyberattacks," Jones said.
Jones said other counties could also be targeted.
Cyberattack 'catastrophic for the county,' administrator says
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WAPT logoUpdated: 7:20 PM CDT Sep 11, 2023
Infinite Scroll Enabled
Ross Adams
Investigative Reporter
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The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.
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HINDS COUNTY, Miss. —
Cybercriminals hacked Hinds County computer servers in a huge ransomware attack last week, forcing the shutdown of many county agencies.
Advertisement
"What we're finding out now is this is actually catastrophic for the county," said Hinds County Administrator Kenny Wayne Jones.
Jones said the county hired a private company to help get to the bottom of the incident.
"This could turn into weeks," Jones said. "It's not a quick fix on any of this by any means. We don't know how long it's going to take."
Play Video
In the meantime, county officials are looking for ways to find a workaround until they can get the system back online.
"We're communicating by email now because those are not our servers. We're looking for alternative ways to be able to provide some of the basic services that the county is doing," Jones said.
Hinds County Tax Collector Eddie Fair said people will not be penalized because of the attack.
"We will waive those days so that they can take care of the business they need to take care of because it wasn't their fault. It's our fault," Fair said.
Play Video
Despite the shutdown, Jones said they have to keep criminal trials moving. The Hinds County District Attorney's Office may be able to use state servers to get online to access critical information.
County leaders said people behind the computer hack sent them a phone number to call to find out how much the ransom is. Officials contacted federal authorities.
U.S. Homeland Security and the FBI are investigating.
Jones said firewalls were installed to keep cybercriminals out of the system after a similar attack a few years ago.
"Sometimes it's just not enough for sophisticated cyberattacks," Jones said.
Jones said other counties could also be targeted.
