Alarm in Texas has 23 towns hit by 'coordinated' ransomware attack

Twenty-three Texas cities have been struck by a "coordinated" ransomware attack, according to the state's Department of Information Resources.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software, often delivered via email, that locks up an organization's systems. In many cases, ransomware is more likely to be broken down into hardware and software, and it can be costly to cities.

According to a weekend update by the Texas DIR, the conference started Friday morning and the locations are not named, "the majority of these entities are smaller local governments."

The New York, Louisiana, Maryland, and Florida Strikes Followed by the Recent Ransomware Attacks in the United States. It is also unclear whether or not the courts of law are ransomed to the attackers, or whether the same crimes are linked to the attacks on other U.S. cities.

"The State of Texas systems and networks have all been identified and reported to have been identified and reported," the DIR said. While the state has been determined to be responsible for all 23 attacks, they have not yet determined who was responsible. "Investigations into the origin of this attack are ongoing, however, response and recovery are the priority at this time," the department said.

Texas FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, Texas A & M's Information Technology and Electronic Crime Unit and the Texas Military Department, which includes branches of the National Guard.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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