After cyberattack, rural Washburn County is upping security

Far-northern Washburn County will spend thousands on top-level cybersecurity monitoring months after an attack took the county government’s entire network down.

Washburn County staff first discovered the attack early on the morning of Aug. 6, Olson told WPR shortly after the attack.

Nearly three months later, Washburn County has taken significant steps to upgrade its digital security.

Through their insurance, Washburn County had a $25,000 deductible — and the total cost covered was roughly $34,898.

“Washburn County is only 16,000 or 17,000 folks,” Olson said.