According to a statement released by County Attorney Jim Hill, the attack happened around 7 p.m. County employees immediately took action to keep hardware and software from being compromised any further. It was able to with off-site redundant systems.
The public may experience “temporary inconveniences" for the next few days as work continues to bring systems back on line.
“No demand has been received and none will be entertained,” the statement reads.
At the same time, authorities are trying to find out where the attack came from.
The county would not comment on the nature of the attack. For example, in a ransomware attack, hackers deliver a file to unsuspecting users that once downloaded is used to commandeer and lockup a network. Hackers generally demand payment to return access to files and the system to its owners.
Several Alabama cities have fallen victim to cyberattacks recently. Around 70 computers in Chilton County were hit back in July by a ransomware attack that forced a two-week closure of services at the county’s tag and probate offices.
In 2019, the City of Leeds paid $12,000 to regain control of its files. DCH Health System in Tuscaloosa was hit that same year.
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