Cybercriminals are stepping up their attacks on county governments, and the latest FBI and CISA warning should be a wake-up call for every County Commissioner, Clerk, Sheriff, and City Manager.
The Ghost ransomware group has been identified as a global cyber threat, targeting over 70 countries, including local governments, healthcare institutions, and critical infrastructure. Their modus operandi? Exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities, encrypting critical data, and demanding massive ransoms.
If your county IT provider hasn’t recently conducted a full cybersecurity audit, you could be their next target.
🚨 What is Ghost Ransomware, and Why Should You Be Concerned?
The Ghost ransomware group doesn’t rely on simple phishing scams. They use advanced penetration tools like Mimikatz and Cobalt Strike to infiltrate networks, steal credentials, and encrypt essential government data.
According to the FBI’s latest advisory, Ghost attackers have been:
🔴 Exploiting Outdated Systems – They target known security flaws in Fortinet, Adobe ColdFusion, Microsoft SharePoint, and Microsoft Exchange.
🔴 Deploying Ransomware Across Entire Networks – Once inside, they encrypt all critical data, making government services inoperable.
🔴 Demanding High Ransoms – Counties have been forced to pay thousands—or even millions—just to regain access to their own systems.
If your county’s IT provider hasn’t patched vulnerabilities or secured your backups, it’s not a question of if you’ll be attacked—but when.
🔎 The Warning Signs: Is Your County Vulnerable?
🚨 You are at risk if:
✅ Your IT provider hasn’t recently conducted a cybersecurity audit
✅ Your backups are stored on the same network as your live data (meaning ransomware can encrypt them too!)
✅ Your staff hasn’t been trained to detect phishing attempts
✅ Your county still relies on outdated firewalls and unpatched software
✅ You don’t have multi-factor authentication (MFA) in place for critical accounts
These are the exact vulnerabilities that Ghost ransomware exploits—and once they’re inside, they shut everything down.
💡 How to Protect Your County from Ghost Ransomware
✅ Step 1: Conduct a Full Cybersecurity Audit
If you don’t know your vulnerabilities, you can’t fix them. A comprehensive assessment will identify:
- Unpatched software & firewall weaknesses
- Compromised credentials on the dark web
- Gaps in backup and recovery systems
✅ Step 2: Secure Your Backups—Offsite & Encrypted
Ghost ransomware is designed to search for and encrypt backups stored on the same network.
- Ensure backups are stored offsite and cannot be accessed remotely.
- Test your recovery process—if your IT provider hasn’t done this recently, it’s a problem.
✅ Step 3: Patch ALL Vulnerabilities Immediately
Counties often fall behind on software updates—this is how hackers get in.
- Apply security patches across ALL county systems regularly.
- Ensure firewalls and endpoint protections are actively monitored.
✅ Step 4: Train County Employees to Recognize Cyber Threats
Most ransomware infections start with human error—one accidental click is all it takes.
- Conduct regular phishing simulations and cybersecurity awareness training.
- Enforce strict email security policies to filter out suspicious messages.
✅ Step 5: Work with a Trusted Cybersecurity Partner
Not all IT providers are cybersecurity experts. Many offer “basic protection” that won’t stop a sophisticated attack.
- Ensure your IT provider is actively monitoring for threats 24/7.
- Require multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strict access controls for all critical systems.
⏳ The Time to Act is NOW
🔍 Wayne County, Michigan was recently shut down by a cyberattack.
🔍 Miller County, Arkansas saw ransomware spread across 55 counties.
🔍 Franklin County, Kansas had sensitive government data leaked online.
Your county could be next.
We are offering a FREE Cybersecurity Audit to help County Commissioners, Clerks, Sheriffs, and City Managers:
✔ Identify security gaps in their IT infrastructure
✔ Confirm whether their IT provider is truly protecting them
✔ Ensure they have secure backups & real-time threat monitoring
📅 Don’t wait for a ransomware attack to prove your county’s vulnerabilities.
Please call 405-210-3000 if you encounter any of the above issues IMMEDIATELY!
