500 computers at California county behavioral health department comprised during ransomware attack

The Modesto, Calif.-based Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is recovering from a ransomware attack that compromised its computer network Dec. 12. 

The county has not detected any breach of personal information at this time, according to its notice. The department, which employs more than 400 employees, serves nearly 14,000 adults and children, and offers mental health and addiction services, according to The Modesto Bee.

Nearly 500 computers were compromised when hackers demanded roughly $65,000 in bitcoin ransom, The Modesto Bee reports. However, the organization does not intend to pay the ransom.

Upon discovery of the attack, the network was shut down and isolated from the countywide network. Online services and communication were temporarily provided by other means and client care continued.

County authorities are working with the FBI on a criminal investigation of cyberterrorism.

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