The city of Saint-Martin-lez-Tatinghem in France faced a ransomware attack on June 21, 2023, disrupting its computer network. CAPSO’s digital service promptly responded by isolating affected machines and cutting off internet access to contain the virus’s spread. While only a portion of the data was encrypted, the city opted not to pay the ransom, aligning with agencies’ advice against endorsing such criminal demands.
Authorities, including the Gendarmerie, are conducting investigations to ascertain the extent of data compromised and potential risks posed to citizens. Despite efforts to limit the impact, concerns remain about the potential theft of personal data and its misuse for fraudulent activities like identity theft or scams. Citizens are urged to exercise caution regarding suspicious emails or messages and report them to the designated cyber surveillance platform.
While some city services were disrupted by the attack, essential functions such as technical services, libraries, and school operations remain unaffected. Efforts are underway to restore access to electronic messaging and secure preserved documents gradually. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of cyberattacks and underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive data and maintain essential services.
