After a weekend ransomware attack at the Cullman County Revenue Commissioner's office, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) said he is looking to see if there is anything he can do on the federal level.
Cullman County Revenue Commissioner Barry Willingham told the press over Christmas weekend that the courthouse's online server had been hacked, and the system is now infected with ransomware.
Ransomware is malicious software that blocks access to a computer system until a ransom is paid to the hacker.
Willingham said he discovered the ransomware while responding to a resident's message saying they couldn't pay their property taxes online. He indicated that the system might be functional again later this week but assured that late payments would now be taken through January 8.
It is still unclear who was behind the cyber attack.
On Wednesday, Adherholt promised to help Willingham's office if anything can be done on the federal level.
"My office is aware of this situation and we stand ready to help if there is anything we can do on the federal level," Aderholt tweeted.
Willingham also said there was no reason to believe any personal information had been compromised, though the server includes property records. These records enter the system after personal information is redacted.
According to reports, the server does not have a backup.
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