x
Breaking News
More () »

Officials: Virginia IT agency hit with ransomware attack

The timing of the attack is particularly problematic, as lawmakers and staff are deep into preparations for a legislative session set to begin in January.

RICHMOND, Va. — The information technology agency that serves Virginia’s legislature has been hit by a ransomware attack that has substantially affected its operations. 

A spokesperson for Gov. Ralph Northam on Monday confirmed the attack on Virginia’s Division of Legislative Automated Systems. The spokesperson says the governor had been briefed on the matter and directed other executive branch agencies to offer help in “assessing and responding to this ongoing situation.” 

The division is the state legislature’s information technology agency. The timing of the attack is particularly problematic, as lawmakers and staff are deep into preparations for a legislative session set to begin in January.

WUSA9 reached out to the governor's office to ask about the ransomware attack and received the following statement:

"Governor Northam has been briefed on a ransomware attack on the Legislative Branch's Division of Legislative Automated Systems, and has directed relevant Executive Branch agencies to work quickly to offer any help in assessing and responding to this ongoing situation."  

READ NEXT: 

WATCH NEXT: What is a ransomware attack? | Verify

The Verify team looks into the software behind the recent Colonial Pipeline cyberattack. Click here to watch and subscribe to the WUSA9 YouTube channel today.

WUSA9 is now on Roku and Amazon Fire TVs. Download the apps today for live newscasts and video on demand.

Download the WUSA9 app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips.

Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news. Sign up for the Capitol Breach email newsletter, delivering the latest breaking news and a roundup of the investigation into the Capitol Riots on January 6, 2021.

Before You Leave, Check This Out