911 center not affected by ransomware on Town of Cornelius device
July 12. The Town of Cornelius has stabilized a potential cyber threat that may delay or suspend some services provided by the town.The threat, detected last night, was caused by ransomware located on a town device. It was detected early by staff.
Importantly, 911 calls are not affected.
All on-site technology has been disconnected from the town’s network in order to contain the threat.
Services most affected will be those delivered over the phone or those requiring staff to access files located on town servers, which are in the process of being scanned. The town operates its own 911 center, separate from Mecklenburg County.
In a press release, the town said the Technology Operations (TechOps) Department immediately severed on-site technology from the network in order to contain the threat and prevent its spread.
TechOps is working with the North Carolina Local Government Information Systems Association (NCLGISA) and Mecklenburg County Emergency Management to scan and clean all affected devices before the Town returns to normal operations.
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Dear Editor,
After reading the article about the potential cyber threat faced by the Town of Cornelius, I must say that I am both relieved and concerned. It is commendable that the threat was detected early by the town staff, allowing them to take immediate action. The fact that 911 calls are not affected is a significant relief.
However, it is disheartening to learn that some services provided by the town may be delayed or suspended because of this ransomware attack. The impact on services delivered over the phone and those requiring staff access to files on town servers underscores the importance of cybersecurity measures in today’s interconnected world.
I recall having a conversation with our town manager a few months ago, during which I was assured that the town was well-prepared for such an eventuality. While I am glad to see that the Technology Operations Department promptly severed on-site technology from the network to contain the threat, I can’t help but express my concern for the potential disruption this incident may cause to the daily lives of our community members.
As a concerned citizen, I hope that this incident serves as a catalyst for further strengthening our town’s cybersecurity posture. I urge the town leadership to review and enhance existing protocols, invest in ongoing training for staff, and explore partnerships with cybersecurity experts to ensure that we remain at the forefront of cybersecurity best practices. I would offer, some of the country’s top cyber security experts live & work within our town……..
In conclusion, while my initial confidence in the town’s preparedness for a cyber-attack remains intact, I believe that this incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures.