A ransomware attack on the Wood County computer system has cost the county $1.5 million to restore service.
In a statement issued this afternoon (12/23/24), the commissioners reported that “the County is in the process of securely restoring systems.”
Further they stated: “After careful consideration and guidance from a team of nationally recognized third-party cybersecurity and data forensic consultants, the county negotiated and paid a $1.5 million fee to ensure a full and efficient resumption of services. While making the payment was a difficult choice, the Commissioners determined it was the necessary approach to best serve the interests of Wood County residents and employees.”
They reported that many of the county systems are now operational and that they are taking measures to strengthen system security.
“The county’s reserve funds, set aside for emergency and other unanticipated expenditures, allowed for the payment of this fee without impact on the County’s 2025 budget,” the commissioners stated.
The 2025 budget will be approved and released on Dec. 26.
“While Wood County has for years invested in the security of its digital data and computer network, this incident has shown that criminal actors pose an on-going threat,” the commissioners stated.
The statement said that the county will continue to take and strengthen security measures “to minimize the risk of a similar event occurring again.”
The criminal investigation into the incident is continuing so the commissioners will provide no additional details.
