Wayne County government in Michigan is grappling with a significant cyberattack that has disrupted essential services as hackers have demanded a ransom. The attack, which occurred on October 3, has brought many internal systems to a standstill, prompting the county’s information technology team to investigate the incident. They are working closely with cybersecurity partners, including the FBI and Michigan State Police, to understand the scope of the breach and implement necessary security measures.
The impact of the ransomware attack is being felt across various county departments. Notably, operations at the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office were severely affected, preventing jail inmates from being bonded out while the servers remained compromised. Additionally, defense attorneys reported difficulties in scheduling visits with their clients due to the disruptions caused by the cyber incident. This has raised concerns about the implications for the criminal justice process within the county.
Further complicating matters, the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office announced that online tax payments could not be processed, although taxpayers still have the option to make payments in person. Similarly, the Wayne County Register of Deeds Office closed early, meaning residents were unable to record real estate transactions or obtain property records. While the full extent of the attack is still being assessed, officials are working diligently to restore these critical services.
In the wake of the attack, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office reassured the public that it remains open and functioning as usual. Despite the challenges posed by the cyberattack, a spokesman for the Third Circuit Court indicated that business continued without disruption. As the investigation progresses, Wayne County officials are focused on mitigating the effects of the attack and enhancing cybersecurity protocols to prevent future incidents.
