Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office attacked by ransomeware
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has been hit by an apparent ransomware attack and is experiencing computer outages as of Sunday afternoon, according to multiple law enforcement sources. This information was first reported by The Tributary and has been independently confirmed by First Coast News.
A police report from a Sunday traffic stop references the problem, saying a prisoner intake sergeant approved the report “due to citywide internet outages.” The issue was also discussed at first appearance court, known as J1, according to people who were there.
Ransomware is a type of malware that interferes with computer access unless a ransom is paid. There have been a number of major ransomware attacks in recent years including a 2021 attack on Colonial Pipeline, forcing the company to pay $4.4 million to regain access to their computer network.
This is a developing story. At this time, it is not clear to what extent JSO’s systems have been affected, or for how long.