Cyber Attack Continues To Impact Somerset County Email, Services

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — A cybersecurity breach involving ransomware continues to impact Somerset County email and some services.

"The Somerset County Clerk's office is currently unable to provide most services which are reliant on Internet access," according to the county.

Somerset County Spokesman Nathan Rudy said email is expected to remain offline through the end of the week.

"Somerset County offices and buildings remain open for business as the County continues to evaluate the severity of yesterday’s ransomware cyberattack. Network-linked computers remain turned off, and county emails cannot be received or responded to by county personnel," said Rudy.

In the meantime, the County has created temporary Gmail addresses for the public to use to reach critical departments such as the County Commissioners, Health, Emergency Operations, the County Clerk, Sheriff, and Surrogate. (see list)

Residents are advised to call the county first before coming to an office. Residents can find department phone numbers online or call the main number at 908-231-7000 and follow the menu prompts to identify the appropriate department.

Requests for mail-in ballot replacements can be made by calling 908-231-7013

The cyberattack was reported on Tuesday morning causing Tuesday night's Board of Commissioners meeting to be postponed. Read More: Cyber Attack Shuts Down Somerset County Email

A new Commissioners' special meeting will now be held on Tuesday, May 31 at 7 p.m. which will go over multiple items including the formal adoption of the 2022 County Budget.

"Digital records and voting machines for the upcoming Primary Election are never connected to the county system and are unaffected," said Rudy.

Requests for mail-in ballot replacements can be made by calling 908-231-7013. The calendar for mail-in, early, and in-person voting is not affected.

County courts, jails, the 911 call center, and county emergency services continue to operate without any problems.

Somerset County Clerk services that depend on access to county databases are temporarily unavailable, such as land records, vital statistics, and probate records. Title searches are possible only on paper records dated before 1977.

The County Tax Board continues to hear tax appeals on schedule dates, with its next hearings on June 3. Anyone with questions about an upcoming hearing can call the Tax Board at 908-541-5701 or write to its temporary SomCtyTaxBoard@gmail.com email.

"We are working hard to ensure vital services the public depends on continue to be delivered, such as recycling, road maintenance, and transportation for seniors," said Somerset County Administrator Colleen Mahr. "We have an outstanding IT department that is working around the clock to evaluate our situation, prevent further damage, and ultimately recover."

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