IBNS-CMEDIA: The Suisun City Council in California, US, has declared a State of Emergency after malicious software infected and compromised the city’s IT systems.
The council said the cybersecurity incident occurred on August 7.
“This declaration, pursuant to Government Code 8630, allows the City to quickly access emergency support services and to recoup costs incurred as a result of the cybersecurity incident,” the council said in a statement.
The incident disrupted critical public safety operations, including 911 call routing, police and fire dispatch, records and other city services.
To contain the threat and preserve evidence for a federal investigation, the city shut down its entire IT network.
“The City swiftly activated its Emergency Operations Center and is working alongside federal, state and regional agencies, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and California Office of Emergency Services, to maintain emergency services, investigate the incident and restore systems,” the statement said.
Authorities said there is no imminent threat to the public and that all public safety services remain active.
Suisun City dispatchers continue to take calls through the Solano County dispatch centre, while Suisun City Police Department and Fire Department personnel continue to respond to calls for service.
However, online city services and internal operations remain temporarily unavailable.
The cybersecurity incident remains under investigation.
