The Virginia State Police network Wednesday was hit with a malware attack which shut down the department's email services.
The attack also affected the department's ability to update the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Children Registry website and forced the department to suspend email services between 8 p.m. Wednesday and until noon Thursday, according to The Virginian-Pilot.
State police spokeswoman Corinne N. Geller told the publication police are working with the Virginia Information Technologies Agency and Northrup Grumman to identify, contain and eradicate the malware and that department field operations weren't affected by the attack.
“We recognize the vital role email plays in regards to communicating with State Police, and appreciate the public's patience and understanding as we diligently work to resolve this matter,” Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel W. Steven Flaherty said in a press release obtained by CBS 6 TV. “While during this period we are required to communicate with the public through alternative means, our level of service should not otherwise be affected.”
