The ransomware attack on the Coweta County’s systems resulted in certain operations getting compromised. According to ransomware removal reporters, the 911 calling systems were saved from the attack. However, the online dispatch system was unable to function.
Ms. Patricia Palmer, the director of community and human resources said that the county officials were forced to use pen and paper for relaying messages as the dispatch system was not working. This also meant the officials could not use online maps and had to rely on the map books. As a result, the fire trucks, patrol cars, and ambulances were not able to work with the same productivity and efficiency as they had been before.
Ms. Palmer stated that the damage was limited due to their backup systems that were regularly updated. She clarified that all the online operations related to safety were restored due to this. According to ransomware removal analysts, the County gave the highest priority to restoring critical systems. Thus, the safety systems were the first to go through the ransomware removal and recovery processes.
Fortunately, the servers hosted externally were reported to be safe from any infection. These servers include Coweta’s Superior Court, library, payroll system and the Tag Office. It was also reported that parts of the County’s Juvenile Court and the Magistrate Court were harmed by the ransomware.
Ms. Palmer informed ransomware removal reporters that the law enforcement agencies, including both the federal and the local ones, were made aware of the attack and they have also started their investigations into the attack.
The County aims to strengthen its security after cyber investigations get completed so that any future attacks can be thwarted in time. For the time being, the County can use its insurance for cyber threats to cover its losses.
