Jackson County Hit by Ransomware: Services Disrupted

Jackson County, a Missouri jurisdiction home to over 715,000 residents, fell victim to a ransomware attack that disrupted its tax payment system and online services, including property registration, marriage license issuance, and inmate searches.

County officials reported “significant disruptions within its IT systems, potentially attributable to a ransomware attack.” While some systems were rendered inoperative, others continued to function normally. As a result of the incident, offices responsible for assessments, tax collection, and real estate transactions have been indefinitely closed.

The cyberattack notably spared both the Kansas City Board of Elections and the Jackson County Election Board. Law enforcement and cybersecurity experts have been enlisted to mitigate the attack’s impact and restore system functionality.

County employees are currently collaborating closely with cybersecurity partners to ascertain the incident’s cause and confirm the precise nature of the disruption. Although officials have yet to disclose whether the criminal group has identified itself or made ransom demands, measures are being taken to prevent the attack’s further spread.

The closure of offices due to the incident is assessed to have significant repercussions for residents facing difficulties. Authorities have pledged to keep the public informed as the situation evolves. The incident was detected by county employees on the morning of April 2. It is noteworthy that Jackson County is not the sole target of cyberattacks in Missouri over the past year, with similar incidents affecting hospitals and transportation services.