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The original item was published from 7/19/2022 9:18:59 PM to 10/1/2022 12:00:03 AM.

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Town of Frederick News

Posted on: July 19, 2022

[ARCHIVED] Frederick Responds To Information Technology Incident

Information Technology Incident graphic

The Town of Frederick recently became aware of an incident that involved unauthorized activity within the Town’s computer network.  Specifically, a group associated with ransomware attacks has alleged that it gained access to the Town’s network.

Upon receiving these allegations, Frederick took immediate steps to secure its network against any possible intrusion, and Frederick notified law enforcement, including the FBI.  Frederick also engaged nationally-recognized digital forensics and incident response experts to thoroughly investigate the incident.  A primary objective of that investigation is to determine if in fact unauthorized actors gained access to the network, and what personal information, if any, may have been impacted by the incident.

The Town of Frederick takes the security of the data it receives and maintains very seriously.  Should we become aware of any personal information affected by the incident, the Town of Frederick will promptly notify individuals impacted and provide them with specific steps to take to protect their personal data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened? 
On July 14, 2022, we became aware of an incident that might have involved unauthorized activity within the town’s computer network.  Specifically, a group associated with ransomware attacks has alleged that it gained access to the Town’s network.  However, the Town’s systems currently show no evidence of containing ransomware nor is any data encrypted.  The incident therefore had no impact on the Town’s services or operations.  Frederick took immediate steps to secure its network against any possible intrusion.  

Was the Town a victim of a ransomware attack? 
Frederick engaged with nationally-recognized digital forensics and incident response experts to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and to determine what happened.  While that investigation is still ongoing, Frederick can report that the town’s systems currently show no evidence of containing ransomware nor is any data encrypted.

What data was affected? 
It is too early in the investigation to determine what data may have been impacted by the incident.  The Town of Frederick retained an outside digital forensics and incident response firm to investigate the incident.  One of the objectives of the investigation is to determine what data may have been impacted.  

Was any personal information affected? 
We do not know what, if any, personal data may have been impacted as a result of the incident. Frederick retained nationally-recognized digital forensics and incident response experts to investigate the incident.  A primary objective of that investigation is to determine if in fact unauthorized actors gained access to the network, and what personal information, if any, may have been impacted by the incident. Should we become aware of any personal information affected by the incident, the Town of Frederick will promptly notify individuals impacted and provide them with specific steps to take to protect their personal data.

What are you doing to fix it? 
Frederick took immediate steps to secure its network against any possible intrusion, and Frederick notified law enforcement, including the FBI. Additionally, Frederick retained a nationally-recognized digital forensics and incident response firm to thoroughly investigate the incident. 


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