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Winona County Restores Systems After Second Cyberattack as Some Services Stay Offline

A phased, verified recovery with state and federal help aims to protect data during restoration.

Overview

  • County leaders say systems are coming back in phases after this week’s cyberattack, keeping offices open with slower, manual workflows.
  • Department of Motor Vehicles and vital records services remain offline, so residents who need licenses or certificates may need to visit a neighboring county.
  • Emergency services, including 911 and fire response, have operated without interruption throughout the incident.
  • The Minnesota National Guard cyber team, Minnesota IT Services, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the FBI, and outside forensics firms are assisting local staff.
  • Investigators have not confirmed any data theft or ransom and say this is the county’s second attack this year by a different group, reflecting a broader rise in profit-driven hacks on public agencies.