MH water department avoids damage from ransomware attack

     Ransomware, the latest form of cyber scams on the internet, is a malicious software that infects a computer by locking it or taking control of the system until a demanded ransom is paid. Generally, the ransom is demanded in bitcoin or another form of digital currency.
Recently the City of Mountain Home’s water department was the victim of ransomware, according to Department Director Alma Clark. She says the rogue software was detected at 4 a.m. Monday, February 6.

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Clark says when they discovered the problem, they immediately called the department’s Information Technology expert and shut the system down.

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Mountain Home Mayor Joe Dillard says the public should be assured that the systems are safe and precautions will continue to be exercised.

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All computer systems, whether business or personal, are vulnerable to ransomware. Chris Knight, Director of Technology at Mountain Home Schools says often the ransomware infects a computer through an email or link.

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What should someone do if they have been infected with ransomware?

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Computer security experts say there are anti-virus softwares that can protect computers from ransomware. They advise the best way to protect a system from ransomware attacks by  keeping software current, file duplication and regular system backups.