Some Jackson County offices will remain closed Monday because of ransomware attack

Jackson County’s assessment, collections and recorder of deeds offices will remain closed Monday as officials work to restore computer systems affected by a ransomware attack discovered last week by the county’s information technology department.

County officials said in a news release Sunday that technicians were working toward restoring normal service operations.

“We recognize the impact this decision may have on our residents and want to assure them that it was made with careful consideration,” the county said in an email. “Our commitment remains steadfast in swiftly resolving this situation and minimizing any inconvenience to our community.”

Other county systems were not affected and taxpayers’ data was not compromised, county officials have said.

They confirmed last Tuesday that computer problems detected earlier that day were the result of a cyberattack — an outside entity seizing control of computer systems and demanding a ransom before relinquishing control.

The systems affected included those handling tax payments and online searches for property records, marriage licenses, and searches for inmates at the Jackson County Detention Center.

County officials said federal authorities, along with the Missouri Highway Patrol and the county sheriff’s office, were assisting in the investigation to learn who was responsible for the attack.