Ransomware Attack Shuts Down Jefferson County Clerk's Office and Motor Vehicle Branches
The Jefferson County Clerk's Office in Louisville, Kentucky, along with all motor vehicle branches, remains closed indefinitely following a ransomware attack detected around 2 a.m. on July 22, 2024. Initially reported as unexpected system outages, the attack has locked up the office's files, preventing access until a ransom is paid. While the types of files held hostage and the ransom demands are unknown, officials have stated that no personal information has been leaked. The office is collaborating with a cybersecurity firm to recover the files and conducting a forensic analysis of the attack. The shutdown has caused significant disruption, affecting services such as vehicle renewals and applications for marriage and business licenses. This incident is unrelated to the recent CrowdStrike failure that also impacted office operations in Jefferson County. There is no estimated timeline for when services will be restored.