Somerset County government hit by cyberattack. Here’s what we know

SOMERVILLE – Somerset County government is dealing with a ransomware attack that has disrupted its computer network, officials said Tuesday.

The county's email system was down, and Tuesday's Board of Commissioners meeting was postponed.

All county offices and phone lines were open and operational, but emails to county personnel couldn’t be received or responded.

Emergency 911 communications were unaffected.

“With the exception of email, the county is performing normal functions. That said, we have activated our Emergency Operations Center and our Continuity of Operations of Government Plan,” said County Administrator Collen Mahr. “It is our assumption that this situation will remain in effect at least for the rest of the week.”

No details of the cyberattack were disclosed.

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Ransomware is designed to deny users and organizations access to files on their computer system. By encrypting these files, cyberattackers demand a ransom for the decryption key to regain access.

Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com

Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.