Virginia’s Government IT Agency Hit By Ransomware

Exploit: Ransomware
Company: The Virginia Division of Legislative Automated Systems (DLAS)
Industry: Government, Technology Services
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/officials-virginia-state-agency-hit-ransomware-attack-n1285913

Hackers deployed a ransomware attack on the IT agency that serves Virginia’s legislature. The Virginia Division of Legislative Automated Systems is experiencing substantial disruptions to its operations after hackers accessed the agency’s systems and deployed the malicious attack.

Virginia state officials have stated that DLAS has shut down many of its computer servers in hopes of stopping the ransomware from penetrating further into their systems. Government representatives said the governor directed other executive branch agencies to help in “assessing and responding to this ongoing situation.”

It has been reported that the DLAS was given a ransom demand on Monday with no specific amount or expected date. Details of the incident and requested ransom are unclear as the investigation is still underway. DLAS executive director Dave Burhop says the agency is planning its course of action and expecting “this will likely not be resolved quickly.”