Security News > 2020 > May > Texas Courts Won’t Pay Up in Ransomware Attack

Texas Courts Won’t Pay Up in Ransomware Attack
2020-05-13 19:10

A ransomware attack has hit the information technology office that supports Texas appellate courts and judicial agencies, leading to their websites and computer servers being shut down.

Specifically affected is the Office of Court Administration, which is the IT provider for the appellate courts and state judicial agencies within the Texas Judicial Branch.

The ransomware attack is reminiscent of a wide-scale, coordinated cyberattack on Texas entities a year ago.

Up to 22 Texas local governments and businesses were hit by a ransomware attack in August, which Texas officials said was part of a targeted attack launched by a single threat actor.

"Last August, a coordinated attack hit 22 local Texas governments at the same time, forcing many municipalities to rely on backup systems. Thankfully, none of the $2.5 million in Bitcoin demanded was paid in this instance. However, taxpayers are known to grow frustrated and lose trust for cities that fail to protect their networks and data overall. Now, the Texas court system is the latest target."


News URL

https://threatpost.com/texas-courts-ransomware-attack/155711/