Ransomware attack hundreds of LaSalle County government computers

LASALLE COUNTY (WEEK) — The LaSalle County government is seeing a big interruption to its services this week.

The LaSalle County government is seeing a big interruption to its services this week.

The county is dealing with a ransomware attack on its computers discovered by the Sheriff’s Office last Sunday around 3:30 a.m.

Ransomware is a type of virus which locks up all the files on a computer, as hackers demand a ransom, usually money or Bitcoin, to release them.

The county’s IT Director, John Haag, said this virus is locking up about 200 computers and about 40 servers in the county government. He said the two areas not affected are the county courts and circuit clerk’s office.