The cyber attack continued into Tuesday, according to the governor’s office, “significantly impairing the county’s ability to deliver vital emergency and municipal services.”
The attack targeted both digital services and critical systems.
According to an executive order from Walz, the county has coordinated with multiple organizations in response to the attack, including the FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Minnesota Information Technology Services and the League of Minnesota Cities. The county is also working with an external cybersecurity vendor.
“Unfortunately, the scale and complexity of this incident has exceeded both internal and commercial response capabilities,” the order states. “As a result, Winona County has requested cyber protection support from the Minnesota National Guard to help address this incident and make sure that vital municipal services continue without interruption.”
The executive order provided the emergency assistance, with associated costs covered by the state’s general fund.
“Cyber attacks are an evolving threat that can strike anywhere, at any time,” stated Walz. “Swift coordination between state and local experts matters in these moments. That's why I am authorizing the National Guard to support Winona County as they work to protect critical systems and maintain essential services.”
The attack is the county’s second this year. The county announced Jan. 23 that it had been the target of a ransomware incident, which impacted its computer network. Winona County Board Chair Chris Meyer declared a local emergency in response to that attack.
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