Cyber attack hits GPD Friday

More than 20 entities in Texas, including the Graham Police Department, were hit by a ransomware attack on the morning of Friday, Aug. 16.

According to the Texas Department of Information Resources, the State Operations Center was activated with a day and night shift. The department believed, as of 5 p.m. Saturday, that evidence gathered indicates one actor is responsible for the attacks.

The DIR release said they believe they have identified and contacted all entities which were potentially or actually impacted. The count of those affected as of Saturday was 23 entities. According to Young County officials during the Aug. 19 Commissioner’s Court meeting, the attack affected mostly policing agencies including the Wichita Falls Police Department and Sheppard Air Force Base.

Young County Judge John Bullock said in the Commissioner’s Court meeting that the county has been preparing for a potential malware attack and warning its employees of suspicious activity, but does not believe the county was one of the entities targeted in the attack.

“Marsha (Sumpter) and our IT guy Peter, they have already discussed it and have been on top of it since it’s origination,” Bullock said. “(…) Everyone be vigilant and watch their emails and don’t open an email which looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments that is attached with a suspicious looking email.”

Young County Sheriff Travis Babcock said one of GPD’s server was knocked completely out and the other one was being held for ransom of $5,000,000.

According to the DIR, responders are actively working with the entities to bring their systems back online. They added that State of Texas systems and networks have not been impacted.

Attempts to contact Graham Police Department Chief Brent Bullock were unsuccessful before press time.

For the rest of the story, see the Wednesday, Aug. 21 edition of The Graham Leader.