Tarrant Appraisal District reports ransomware attack
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The Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) in Texas reports a ransomware attack that led to network disruption on Thursday 21st of March 2024.
The Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) is a governmental subdivision of the State of Texas, established on January 1, 1980. It operates under the Texas Property Tax Code, which outlines its legal, statutory, and administrative responsibilities. TAD's chief functions include local property tax appraisal and exemption administration for seventy-three taxing entities within Tarrant County.
Following the detection of the attack, TAD took measures to secure their network and engaged cybersecurity specialists to investigate. The investigation confirmed a ransomware attack occurrence, prompting TAD to report the incident to authorities.
TAD's Chief Appraiser communicated on Thursday that there's currently no indication that sensitive information was compromised. TAD is prepared to take appropriate actions to inform those affected if this assessment changes.
As of now, TAD is actively working towards regaining full operational capabilities. Although their website remains accessible, certain functionalities, including record search capabilities, remain impaired, alongside temporary disruptions to TAD's phone and email communications.
Update - Hackers who attacked the Tarrant Appraisal District’s claim to have stolen Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers of 300 people.
As of 10th of April, 2024 the Medusa ransomware gang has claimed responsibility for the cyberattack on Tarrant County Appraisal District. They are threatening to leak 218GB of stolen data with a six-day deadline if the $100,000 ransom is not paid.
