AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The Texas Department of Transportation has become the second state agency in recent days to be hit by a ransomware attack.
According to a Twitter post from the agency, the attack happened some time on Thursday.
"We believe we have a duty to inform our fellow Texans and our fellow state agencies of this unfortunate incident," TxDOT executive director James Bass said in the statement. "We want every Texan to rest assured that we are doing everything we can do swiftly address this issue. We also are working to ensure critical operations continue during this interruption."
The agency says it is working with the FBI to investigate the attack.
Ransomware attacks typically invade computer systems and networks and encrypt files, in an effort to extort payment for the decryption key.
A ransomware attack also crippled the network for the state's appellate courts and state judicial agencies on May 8, disabling access to case management systems and internet access for court offices, leaving staff to announce rulings via social media. And last summer, more than 20 local governments across the state were targeted in a coordinated attack.