Bernalillo County limits services in wake of ransomware attack

Some offices could remain closed, services are limited temporarily

Bernalillo County continues to assess and recover from ransomware affecting county computer systems, according to a press release, which says the county has taken all affected systems offline and has severed network connections.

The county website, bernco.gov, is back online.

Most county buildings are closed to the public, at least through Friday, Jan. 7, but will be reassessed before the open of business on Monday, Jan. 10.

County employees continue to work remotely and will assist the public as much as possible.

As all systems are being assessed these areas are of note:

• Emergency and public safety are in full operation. 911 is operational with the Sheriff’s Office and Fire and Rescue responding to calls

• The Metropolitan Detention Center has operational intake and release of inmates. There is no visitation until further notice

• Behavioral Health is at full operation

• All community centers will remain open as scheduled

• Planning and Development Services (PDS) continues to accept permit applications through the PDS drop box. Inspections are limited, at this time

• Clerk’s Office has no access to systems and no legal filings are possible to include: marriage licenses, real estate transactions, or voter registrations

• The Treasurer’s Office is accepting tax payments as these cannot be extended. If the Bernalillo County website is functional, payments can be made via the online portal, through county drop boxes, and at any branch of Rio Grande Credit Union

• Animal Care Services is open and adoptions are being placed

Vendors for county systems have been notified of the ransomware and are working to solve the issue and restore the system functions.

The public is being asked to understand the gravity of this ransomware issue and that, at this time, county services are very limited.