A ransomware attack has hit at least 20 local government entities in Texas, the State's Department of Information Resources (DIR) announced on Friday. When a ransomware attack occurs, a computer cannot be utilized until a ransom is paid.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management is currently assisting. As of now, DIR, the Texas Military Department and the Texas A&M University System’s Cyber Response and Security Operations Center have deployed teams to the "most critically impacted jurisdictions." As requests come in, other resources will be implemented.
The goal is to provide computing services and expertise that would get local entities back online, The Statesman reported.
Because of security concerns, the DIR would not release the jurisdictions that were impacted.
"It looks like we found out earlier today, but we’re not currently releasing who’s impacted due to security concerns,” Elliot Sprehe, press secretary for the DIR, told KUT.
Officials have told local agencies who may be impacted to contact their Texas Division of Emergency Management Director.