Louisiana declares state of emergency due to cybercriminal attack

Louisiana’s governor has declared a state of emergency over a cybersecurity issue after a series of attacks shut down phones and locked and encrypted data at three of the state’s school districts. It’s an escalation of a problem that has plagued states and cities in the past year, including Atlanta, Baltimore, several cities in Florida, and others throughout the country.

The attack infected the school’s computer and network systems with ransomware. The Emergency Declaration allows Louisiana’s cybersecurity experts to assist local governments in securing their networks systems.Cybercriminals have increasingly targeted state and local governments with ransomware tools – which infect an organization’s computer networks and lock up critical files in exchange for a ransom payment.

The declaration makes available state resources and allows for assistance from cybersecurity experts from the Louisiana National Guard, Louisiana State Police, the Office of Technology Services and others to assist local governments in responding to and preventing future data loss,” stated a press release by the Louisiana Office of the Governor.

“The state was made aware of a malware attack on a few north Louisiana school systems and we have been coordinating a response ever since,” Gov. Edwards said. “This is exactly why we established the Cyber Security Commission, focused on preparing for, responding to and preventing cybersecurity attacks, and we are well-positioned to assist local governments as they battle this current threat.”

In Louisiana, the incidents have disrupted school districts in Sabine, Morehouse and Ouachita parishes in North Louisiana. Phones, files and computer equipment have been inaccessible. The districts have said federal law enforcement is helping with the issues.