Louisiana Ransomware Attack Update: Most State Online Services Available

Louisiana state websites and many online government services are available following a ransomware attack shut down state government servers on Monday, according to the Louisiana Office of the Governor. The state government's online services and email started to come back online yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile, various Louisiana state services are limited as Internet access is restored to state agencies and workstations are repaired, the Louisiana Office of the Governor noted. Full service restoration may take several days.

The Louisiana Department of Administration Office of Technology Services (OTS) has confirmed a ransomware attack on government servers. No anticipated data loss has occurred due to the incident, and the state did not pay a ransom.

Louisiana State Police and federal agencies are investigating the ransomware attack. In addition, OTS staff is expanding its security presence in terms of systems and training following the incident.

Louisiana Schools Experience Ransomware Attack

The Louisiana government ransomware attack comes after cybercriminals launched a ransomware attack against state schools earlier this year. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued a state of emergency due to the ransomware attack against several state schools, marking the first time the state activated its emergency support function relating to cybersecurity.

Louisiana's Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) activated its Crisis Action Team and the Emergency Services Function-17 to coordinate response to the ransomware attack against state schools. Furthermore, Louisiana officials worked with the FBI, state agencies and higher education partners as part of their incident response efforts.