Ransomware attack targets Jackson County IT systems, Frank White issues state of emergency
April 2 election isn’t impacted, county says
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Jackson County is dealing with a ransomware attack.
A spokesperson for the county said the attack is disrupting its IT systems, making certain systems inoperative. Other systems are operating normally.
Systems impacted so far include tax payments and online property, marriage license and inmate searches. As a result, the Assessment, Collection and Recorder of Deeds offices at all County locations will be closed until further notice.
The attack is not impacting the Kansas City Board of Elections or the Jackson County Board of Elections, and voters will continue to be able to cast votes in the April 2 election.
County Executive Frank White issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency as a proactive measure against a potential ransomware attack affecting various county systems.
“The investments we’ve made in our cybersecurity infrastructure have significantly reduced our vulnerability to such attacks and have fortified our ability to respond effectively,” White said in a statement. “Our IT Department’s prompt detection and response underline the value of our ongoing commitment to cybersecurity.”
The county said it has taken actions to secure IT systems as teams work to restore the county’s operations.
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