On December 22, Clay County published a notice on its website about a ransomware attack in October.
According to its notice, on October 27, 2023, the county determined that its network had been impacted by a ransomware attack between October 23 and 26. The attack affected the electronic document management system (“CaseWorks”) hosted by Clay County and used by other Minnesota County social services entities.
Through its investigation, the county determined that the affected data included an individual’s name, together with some or all of the following kinds of information: Social Security number, address, date of birth, information regarding services provided by Clay County Social Services, such as locations of service, dates of service, client identification number or unique identifiers related to services provided to you, insurance identification number, and insurance or billing information.
Although personal and protected health information was involved, the county determined that there was no evidence of misuse of any of the information from their county or that they hosted for other counties. No data has been discovered in their search of the dark web. DataBreaches’ check of ransomware group leak sites does not reveal any individual or group claiming responsibility for the attack nor any listing for Clay County or “CaseWorks.”
In response to the breach, the county does not seem to be offering those affected any complimentary services but says it has taken or will take the following steps:
1. Implemented multi-factor authentication for any remote access to the CaseWorks application;
2. Updated procedures related to external access by any vendors;
3. Deployed security tools to enhance detection and accelerate response to cyber incidents; and
4. Enhancing technical security related to the CaseWorks application.
The county’s notice does not reveal the total number of citizens affected or the number that had protected health information accessed. The incident has not yet shown up on HHS’s public breach tool, although it has been reported. The failure to offer complimentary services to those who had SSNs involved is disappointing, but there is also a pleasant surprise in transparency. The notice states:
You have the right to receive a report on the facts and details of the investigation into this incident. If you would like a copy of the report, please contact the toll-free number to request delivery of the report via mail or email.
DataBreaches wishes that it becomes a mandated practice or at least a best practice.