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Cyberattacks Are Not Just an IT Problem

Cyberattacks against public entities are no longer rare events. Across the country, counties, cities, school districts, libraries, and public utilities have experienced ransomware attacks, service disruptions, data breaches, and operational outages that directly impacted the communities they serve.When critical systems go offline, citizens cannot access services, employees cannot perform their jobs, and leadership is forced into crisis management.The examples below demonstrate why cybersecurity readiness matters.

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Helping organizations improve awareness, assess cyber risk, and strengthen operational readiness through education and practical guidance.

Fulton County, Georgia (2024)
In January 2024, Fulton County, Georgia experienced a ransomware attack attributed to the LockBit group. County phone systems were unavailable for more than 10 days, while vehicle registration, marriage license processing, payroll, and other internal services were disrupted. Although attackers threatened sensitive data, county officials refused to pay the ransom and worked to restore operations. The incident demonstrates how a single cyberattack can significantly impact essential government services and daily operations.
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Fort Bend County, Texas (2025)
In February 2025, Fort Bend County, Texas suffered a cyberattack that targeted its library system. The attack disrupted the library catalog and digital services, limiting access for residents and staff. County officials approved nearly $2.6 million in cybersecurity recovery contracts to restore operations. The incident highlights how even non-emergency public services can become costly targets for cybercriminals.
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Aliquippa Water Authority, Pennsylvania
The Aliquippa Water Authority in Pennsylvania was targeted in a cyberattack linked to foreign actors that affected water system monitoring equipment. While operators successfully switched to manual processes and prevented service disruptions, the attack exposed vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure systems. The incident serves as a reminder that water utilities and other public services remain attractive targets for cyber threats.
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Oakland, California (2023)
In February 2023, the City of Oakland, California experienced a ransomware attack that forced officials to declare a state of emergency. Numerous city services, including permitting, payment processing, and administrative functions, were suspended or delayed while systems were secured and restored. The attack demonstrated how cyber incidents can quickly affect both government operations and public-facing services.
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Municipal Data Breaches Across the U.S.
Throughout 2023, municipalities across the United States experienced a series of ransomware attacks and data breaches affecting government services and resident information. Incidents in cities including Atlanta, New Orleans, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, and San Francisco resulted in service disruptions, exposure of sensitive data, and recovery costs reaching millions of dollars. Collectively, these events illustrate the growing cybersecurity risks facing public-sector organizations nationwide.
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Get Guidance On Ohio Cybersecurity Requirements

Have questions about ORC 9.64, cybersecurity readiness, or compliance preparation? Our team can help Ohio public entities better understand requirements and identify next steps.