A wave of ransomware attacks and cyberattacks struck local governments across five US states this week, taking down 911 dispatch systems, court phone lines, and a range of public services. The incidents follow an alarming pattern of attacks targeting government infrastructure — and they are happening at the same time as a separate wave of cyberattacks on water and wastewater systems affecting at least 12 states.
The worst-hit jurisdiction is Suisun City, California, a Bay Area town of 30,000 people, where malicious software knocked out 911 routing, police and fire dispatch, records systems, and general city services on Friday. The city declared a state of emergency on Saturday and shut down its entire IT network. Emergency calls are now being routed through the county’s dispatch center. The FBI is investigating and helping maintain essential services. In Oklahoma, the town of Coweta reported a ransomware attack that affected every computer, file, and digital service on its network. Cybersecurity experts have been brought in to restore systems; the town has offsite backups and has pledged not to cut off anyone’s water for nonpayment while systems are down. Mitchell, South Dakota, reported a separate cyberattack that forced the shutdown of government networks, though the mayor confirmed emergency services were unaffected. Coryell County, Texas, and Washburn County, Wisconsin also disclosed cyberattacks this week. Washburn County’s phone and fax lines are still down; courts continued operating on schedule, though public calls are being routed through 911.