Chelan County offices continue limited operations after malware attack
It has been four days since Chelan County government shut down its entire network after detecting malware Sunday morning, forcing county departments to revert to more manual operations to continue services.
The county's IT department shut down the network around 10 a.m. Sunday after detecting malware affecting computers and telephone systems across all departments.
Jill FitzSimmons, Chelan County spokesperson, said Chelan County was one of five counties across the United States hit with malware attacks over Memorial Day weekend.
It was unknown who or what caused the attack as of Wednesday, but officials said they would eventually know the source.
The county has contracted with a third-party security firm to assess the damage caused by the attack and assist with system recovery. As of Wednesday morning, however, there was no timeline for when the network would be operational or the extent of damages.
Chelan County Commissioner Shon Smith said the county's insurance will cover the cost of hiring the security firm as well as recovery costs once systems are restored.
In the meantime, county departments continue operating under limited conditions. All county offices remain open except for the Chelan County Sheriff's Office administrative office.
Chelan County said emergency response departments - including the sheriff's office, jail, coroner's office and emergency management - continue operating and are not expected to be significantly affected.
People needing to contact the coroner's office can call RiverCom's nonemergency line at 509-663-9911 to be connected.
The Chelan County Auditor's Office is accepting only checks for recording services. Documents will be accepted but not officially recorded until systems are restored.
People applying for marriage licenses are being asked to visit another county auditor's office, such as Douglas or Grant counties. Marriage applications may be filed in any county in Washington, and couples are not required to marry in the county where the application is filed.
Chelan County Community Development continues conducting building inspections. People needing inspections may request one in person by bringing their permit number to the office.
Chelan County Superior Court is operating on a limited basis with scheduled hearings proceeding. People may contact the court by email at chelancountysuperiorcourt@gmail.com. Those planning to appear by Zoom may confirm attendance through email.
Chelan County District Court is holding hearings only for in-custody criminal defendants, with all other hearings being rescheduled.
Jurors in groups 21, 22 and 23, who were scheduled to call in after 5 p.m. Tuesday, are excused for the term.
Jurors in groups 1 through 8, scheduled to call in after 5 p.m. Friday, should check for updates unless county systems are restored before then.
Updates on the county's situation will be posted on the Chelan County and Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook pages.
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