St. Cloud, Florida, has become the latest casualty in a string of ransomware attacks hitting cities across the state. The cyberattack has impacted various city services, prompting St. Cloud officials to issue warnings and implement temporary measures to mitigate the disruption. While many departments are affected, efforts are underway to maintain essential services until the issue is resolved.
Residents are advised of changes in payment methods for certain services, with in-person transactions for Parks and Recreation events limited to cash-only temporarily. However, online facility reservations and event registrations continue to accept credit card payments. Emergency services such as Police and Fire Rescue remain operational, ensuring public safety amidst the disruption caused by the cyberattack.
Despite the attack, external utility providers like the Osceola County Tax Collector’s Office and Toho Water Authority have not been affected, providing some relief to residents. State officials have been involved in responding to the incident, although they have not provided further comments. The attack on St. Cloud follows similar incidents in Pensacola and Jacksonville Beach, reflecting an alarming trend of ransomware targeting local governments in Florida.
According to ransomware expert Allan Liska, there has been a significant increase in publicly reported attacks against state and local governments in recent years. Although the number of attacks in 2023 showed an uptick, it is too early to determine the full extent for the current year. Despite some fluctuations, the overall trend suggests a persistent threat landscape, underscoring the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for government entities at all levels.
