Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
- Ransomware attack hits Grand Traverse County systems, essential services fully operational.
- County government phones systems still affected, central dispatch center using radios.
A ransomware attack recently hit Grand Traverse County systems, causing disruptions in essential services. While essential services are fully operational, county government phone systems were still affected, leading to the central dispatch center communicating with first responders via radios. The attack prompted a shutdown of the main network supported by both county and city operations to prevent further spread of malicious code. While no specific ransom demands were made, the FBI and Michigan State Police are involved in investigating the incident. Overall, this event serves as a reminder for all local officials and staff to take security measures seriously to prevent future attacks.
Ransomware is a type of harmful software that encrypts files or data points on a network, demanding payment to unlock them. While many ransomware attacks occur daily in the U.S., it is not advisable to pay the ransom. Instead, cybersecurity experts recommend investing in security measures and working with the FBI’s National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force to address such incidents.
Michigan institutions have been targets of cybercrime in recent years, highlighting the importance of enhancing cybersecurity measures. The response to the ransomware attack in Grand Traverse County involves collaboration with law enforcement agencies and investing in new information security infrastructure to prevent future attacks. The county board plans to re-evaluate existing security measures in light of this incident and hold a special meeting to address cybersecurity concerns.
