(UPDATE: DEC. 15, 2:18 P.M.)
As previously disclosed, Hall County Government experienced an information technology security incident on October 7, 2020.
Currently, all major information technology services have been brought back online and are functional. These services include, but are not limited to, phone, email and applications and software systems in financial services, the tax commissioner’s office and tax assessor’s office. While our information technology applications were offline, the County continued to provide services, albeit manual at times, to our citizens since the attack occurred. 911 and emergency services were not impaired, and all public safety functions of the County have continued to operate.
While systems have been restored, work is ongoing to restore historical data for certain applications. Until all data has been restored, there may be times when certain datasets are not retrievable electronically.
For security purposes, specifics related to the cybersecurity incident itself are not being released.
(UPDATE: OCT. 30, 3:32 P.M.)
Hall County officials continue to work to restore services in the wake of the ransomware attack the County's network experienced three weeks ago.
Restored services include, but are not limited to, phone, email, financial services, tax commissioner's office, tax assessor's office, landfill, and court system. As originally stated, 911 and emergency services were not impaired, and all public safety functions of the County have continued to operate. The County has continued to provide services, albeit manual at times, to our citizens since the attack occurred.
Currently, additional applications and software systems are being restored to more efficiently serve the citizens of Hall County.
Hall County officials want to specifically highlight that the elections process has not been compromised in any way, and a voter's ability to safely and securely vote is still in place. For security purposes, specifics related to the ransomware attack itself are not being released.
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(UPDATE: OCT. 22, 7:51 P.M.)
The voting process for citizens has not been impacted by the attack.
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(UPDATE: OCT. 8, 12:00 P.M.)
Department phone services are now available. To find a list of available phone numbers, click here.
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(UPDATE: OCT. 8, 8:30 AM)
Hall County Government phone service has been partially restored. Should citizens need to call the Hall County Government Center, they can call 770-718-3284. The Sheriff's Office administrative offices can be reached at 678-618-6601. Those with an emergency should still call 911. Information on Hall County court proceedings can be found on the Northeastern Judicial Circuit website.
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(ORIGINAL RELEASE, OCT. 7)
A ransomware attack has occurred involving critical systems within the Hall County Government networks, including an interruption of phone services. As soon as it occurred, the County began working to investigate the cause, to restore operations, and determine the effects of the incident. Hall County has also enlisted the assistance of third party cyber security professionals to expedite the recovery.
The safety and security of the public and County employees remains our top priority. We are working around the clock to work through this ransomware cyberattack and ask for the public’s patience as we implement business continuity measures.
Emergency services were not and will not be disrupted. Should citizens have any emergency or need for assistance, our esteemed public safety personnel will be available.
At this time, there is no evidence to show that citizen or employee data has been compromised. However, citizens and employees are encouraged to take precautionary measures to monitor and protect their personal information.
While some applications are disabled as the County works to resolve this incident, business continuity measures have been implemented.
Updates will be provided through the official Hall County website as they become available.
(This post will be updated as more information becomes available.)