The Dallas Central Appraisal District Has Been Attacked by Ransomeware
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By now most real estate professionals know that the Dallas Central Appraisal District’s, or DCAD’s, systems are down because of a ransomware attack.
Ironically the attack hit on Tuesday, Election Day. Here is what they posted on their Facebook page:
“Early Tuesday morning, 11-8-2022, The Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) became the victim of a ransomware attack. As a result, the DCAD computer system, servers, email and website are down. DCAD is working with the IT security vendor and the authorities to resolve and remedy this issue. We do not currently have a definite timeframe but expect it may take several days to rectify the system. We have followed the advice of authorities and have not contacted the perpetrator(s).”
DCAD is responsible for appraising property in Dallas County for tax purposes and then posting the numbers for public consumption. According to media reports, the office became aware of the attack early Tuesday. As a result of the attack, DCAD’s computer system, servers, email, and of course website are down.
Spokeswoman Cheryl Jordan said told the Dallas Morning News Friday there are no updates on the status of the attack, but they are working around the clock and through the weekend to get the systems repairs, up and running. She also said the office has no timeline on when the situation will be resolved, but expected the shutdown to last through the weekend as they work with IT security and federal authorities to resolve the situation.
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The appraisal district should not have half the data it does. On top of that, they make it public facing. This is a huge privacy oversight. And for what, so robo-buyers can send unsolicited offers for your property. Property ownership should be private and Dallas county residents pay more than enough in taxes to secure these systems. Incompetence on full display.
Anyone with internet access can easily search your address and get the owners name and contact info. Owners can attempt to obscure this through quit-claim deeds and other mechanisms but they should not have to. Who knows what else is now available to a group with malicious intent.
I agree, they claim is it part of the freedom of information act. while I am all for law enforcement to be able to access my information, I have had to deal with a stalker who obtained my hoe information and showed up at my front f]dorr. People that work in the court system and law enforcement have the ability to block their information for they safety. that is not granted to the general population and is just not fair especially when here in TX the courts feel some is not a threat unless they have committed several homocides.