Minnesota National Guard Responds to Winona County Cyberattack

Winona County, Minnesota, experienced a ransomware attack on April 6, 2026, disrupting critical systems and digital services. Governor Tim Walz issued an emergency order to deploy the Minnesota National Guard's cyber protection team to assist in recovery efforts. This incident marks the second cyberattack on the county within three months, with the first occurring in January. The current attack has significantly impaired the county's ability to deliver essential municipal services. The National Guard's involvement aims to enhance recovery speed and strengthen cybersecurity measures. The FBI is investigating the incident, but local resources were insufficient to manage the attack. Winona County officials are also working with external cybersecurity experts to address vulnerabilities and prevent future incidents.

Key Points: • Winona County faced a ransomware attack on April 6, 2026, disrupting critical services. • Governor Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard to assist in recovery efforts. • This is the second cyberattack on Winona County in three months, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities.