Cybercriminals have intensified their attacks on municipalities worldwide, with U.S. and Spanish targets facing disruptive cyber incidents. In Germantown, Tennessee, a ransomware attack on Friday impacted internal servers, prompting immediate action. While the city managed to restore office phone lines, some WiFi at government facilities remains down. Initial assessments indicate that sensitive data related to finance, utilities, and payment information has not been compromised, and the FBI is aiding in the investigation.
Meanwhile, in Spain, the towns of Sant Antoni de Portmany reported cyber incidents affecting their ability to function and provide services. The ransomware attack on Sant Antoni de Portmany has led to paralyzed IT equipment and limited city employee work. Containment measures are in place while authorities analyze the scope of the attack. In Teo, an attack on January 24 paralyzed administrative activities, specifically impacting social services offices and the Women’s Information Center. Both Spanish towns are coordinating recovery efforts with law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities.
These incidents add to the growing list of cyberattacks targeting municipalities in 2024, following a year marked by devastating attacks on various government levels. The challenges faced by Germantown and the Spanish towns underscore the persistent threat landscape municipalities navigate in the digital age.
