Ransomware Attack Freezes Indiana County’s Computers

A so-called ransomware attack has left police, fire and other government staff in a central Indiana county locked out of their computers.

Madison County Commissioner Jeff Hardin tells The Herald Bulletin the county’s voting records and ballots were not affected by Friday’s attack because they are housed on a separate system.

Sheriff Scott Mellinger says the attack left police, firefighters, county courts staff and other government workers locked out of their computers in the county about 30 miles northeast of Indianapolis.

He says the local 911 system remains operating, but police can only access driver’s license and warrant information by telephone and are logging information by hand.

Although the commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 5 to authorize paying a ransom, Mellinger says they haven’t voted yet on making such a payment.