Dear Valued Customer:

At the end of the day today, we received additional hardware resources to assist in the validation of servers and data.  Over the coming days we expect additional infrastructure resources which will accelerate our efforts toward getting you working as quickly as possible.

Internally, working with our cyber recovery team, we have implemented an additional endpoint detection and response solution which protects all of our hosted and HQ infrastructure. This solution aided in the containment and removal of suspicious files and malware resulting from this cyber-attack. The endpoint detection actively scans and monitors our entire infrastructure.  This will remain in force indefinitely.

Externally, we have recommended that all customers change the access password given to Cott.  In addition to creating new ones, implementing a multi-factor authentication password, and only enabling the access for Cott staff when you need assistance, are ways to protect your network.

These are some of the steps that allow us to work together and to be as secure as we can in our partnership.

As I mentioned yesterday, the work this week will consist of:  integrating additional space, copying what we have, working to restore full functionality while analyzing and validating every step of the way.   Being diligent requires patience which I have personally run out of!   I am sure you have too.  I can only hope to bring you better news with each passing day. 

Thank you for your understanding.  I will keep you updated throughout the week. 

Deborah Ball, CEO

Cott Systems, Inc. | 2800 Corporate Exchange Dr., Ste.300 | Columbus, OH 43231
o) 800-588-2688 M-F 7am-6pm Eastern | f) 866-540-1072

Media coverage of the Suffolk County computer outage has focused on public safety issues.  We have not seen official reports related to land recordation.

The following links were posted September 13th and 14th.

https://www.wshu.org/long-island-news/2022-09-13/suffolk-county-moves-its-online-services-to-temporary-website-following-cyberattack

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/cyberattack-on-long-island-disrupts-government-agencies/3864176/

https://riverheadlocal.com/2022/09/13/county-it-systems-crippled-with-websites-email-down-five-days-after-discovery-of-cyberattack/

NYSLTA will issue email alerts only if the information is from an official source and is verifiable.

The NYSLTA Land Records Committee is in contact with the Office of the County Clerk and other officials, by phone and in-person.

NYSLTA Land Records Committee has received the following information from the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk.

LAND RECORDINGS CONTINUE IN SUFFOLK COUNTY

Due to the COVID19 outbreak and out of an abundance of caution, the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office has closed its building operations to the public.  The health and safety of our employees and constituents is of utmost concern.   By executive order, our on-site staff has been severely reduced with the majority of employees working remotely.

 Business continuity has been achieved as we are able to process documents remotely with minimal processing impact.

As a recording office, we know our job is essential to the economy and we are very much aware that the land title and mortgage banking industries rely heavily on documentation obtained from our office and the timely processing of same.

Title Examiners 

The SCCO has provided a NO COST 24/7 remote access portal for viewing all records that are currently in the system which dates back to 1987 for land records and 2004 for judgements, liens, lis pendens and uniform commercial codes. Automated requests for documents beyond these dates will also be accommodated through the same remote access portal.  Those that wish to download images have that capability as well with a new convenient feature that accepts credit cards.  Help Desk resources are also available to account users.

Communications 

The status of our office operations is available on the Clerk’s website www.suffolkcountyny.gov/clerk.

 Here is a quick view:

·      Closed to the public, but processing

o   E-Recording  (Simplifile, CSC, EPN)

o   Mail (we strongly recommend FED EX, UPS, USPS express)

o   Drop-offs in the Lobby (subject to change)

·      Documents being processed

o   Paper recordings

o   E-Recordings (Simplifile, CSC, EPN)

o   E-Recordings – Most documents accepted

o   Documents will be processed in date-received order for all incoming submissions (E-recording, mail and drop-offs)

·      Website

o   www.suffolkcountyny.gov/clerk

o   Recording questions recording@suffolkcountyclerk.com

o   E-Recording questions erecording@suffolkcountyclerk.com

o   Map questions maps@suffolkcountyny.gov

o   Judgement questions judgements@suffolkcountyny.gov

·      Searching

o   Index (1987)

o   Grantor/grantee books on line (1893 forward)

o   Document images (1987 mortgages /deeds)

o   Document images (2004 liens/judgments/UCC/LP)

o   *Document images (1973 to 1984 deeds)

o   *Real Property Tax Maps (1976 images)

o   *Sub-division Filed Maps (1952 west end towns/all east end)

o   Building Loan Agreements (1984 index/2004 images)

o   Mechanics Liens (1984 index/2004 images)

o   Print options (available remotely thru kiosk)

o   *Certified copy requests (available remotely thru kiosk)

o   *Hard copy request program (available remotely thru kiosk)

*New enhancements

·      Acceptance of Remote On-Line Notarization (RON)

o   Yes.  We will accept RON provided that the notary acknowledgment language includes it to be in full compliance within the requirements set forth in Gov. Executive Order 202.7

·      Anticipated return to regular business operations

o   Unknown

·      Outreach

o   Website updates www.suffolkcountyny.gov/clerk

o   Automated VOIP system 631-852-2001 x800

o   Social media (County Clerk Pascale FB page)

o   NYSLTA, PRIA, E-Recording providers 

Office of the Suffolk County Clerk

Judith A. Pascale

www.suffolkcountyny.gov/clerk

631-852-2001 x800