By Allison Peck
Lincoln County officials say a cybersecurity breach affecting the City of North Platte and Lincoln County systems has been contained, but internet and phone disruptions continue as cybersecurity experts work to secure the systems.
In a press release issued Friday, October 9, Lincoln County said some software had been shut down and disconnected from internet access as a precaution. The disruption has affected internet and phone services for both the city and county, leaving some city and county phone lines out of service.
The county confirmed the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office phone lines are down. However, phones at the North Platte Public Safety Building remain operational.
Officials emphasized that 911 and all emergency services remain up and running. Public transit is also continuing to operate, although its main phone line has been transferred to a cell phone. Officials are asking the public for patience while services remain disrupted.
According to the county, the breach has not affected utility services, bill payments or financial services for the city or county. Officials said city and county finances remain accounted for and secure, and no pertinent information has been identified as compromised.
State and private-sector cybersecurity experts are assisting with the response. Officials say systems will be restored once they are confident there are no additional breaches to locate and contain and that city and county systems are secure.
The county says another press release will be issued when services are back online.
Residents needing to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office should be aware that its regular phone lines are currently unavailable. In an emergency, 911 remains operational.
The announcement follows earlier notices Friday about phone and internet outages affecting local government services in North Platte and Lincoln County.