Cyberattack Continues to Plague the City of Atlanta

Cyberattack Continues to Plague the City of Atlanta

It is one of the largest cyberattacks against a major U.S. city.

A week ago, the government computers in Atlanta, Georgia were hit with a cyberattack that has continued to wreak havoc on the city for the last eight days.

Since the City of Atlanta has been hit by the cyberattack, they have been allowed to turn on and use the government desktops, hard drives and printers, but residents have found that they can no longer pay their traffic tickers or water bills online, or report potholes or graffiti on the city's website, according to the New  York Times. Travelers flying through Georgia's international airport still cannot use the free WiFi.

Atlanta's municipal government, which serves nearly six million people, was hit by a ransomeware attack that cripples their computers or network and blocks access to important data until a ransom has been paid. The attack shows just how much municipal governments rely on their computer networks for day-to-day operations.

Threat researchers at Dell SecureWorks, the Atlanta-based security firm helping the city respond to the ransomeware attack, identified the assailants as the "SamSam" hacking crew. The SamSam groups is known for choosing targets that are the most likely to accede to its high ransom demands, in this case they are asking for $51,000.

There were some systems that were not affected, including those for 911 calls and control of wastewater treatment, but other arms of city government have been scrambling for days. The Atlanta Municipal Court has been unable to validate warrants, police officers are writing reports by hand, the city has stopped taking employment applications.

The Mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms, has not said whether or not the city will pay the ransom.

 

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

  • Midtown Manhattan Shooting Kills 4, Including NYPD Officer

    Four people were killed, including a NYPD officer, in a midtown Manhattan shooting on Monday. That’s according to CNN. Read Now

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities