Authorities in Georgia are currently investigating a cybersecurity attack that took place over the weekend and resulted in extensive technological outages in Fulton County. The attack targeted the county government’s phone lines, the court system, and the tax system, leading to major disruptions in the county’s operations.

During a Monday press conference, local officials disclosed that the incident had caused a widespread outage and confirmed that it was the result of a cybersecurity attack. Fulton County Chair Robb Pitts assured the public that law enforcement is actively investigating the situation but did not provide a specific timeline for when the affected systems would be fully restored. Pitts emphasized the county’s commitment to cybersecurity and the protection of sensitive information, urging the public to remain patient while the situation is being addressed.

While officials have stated that no sensitive information about citizens or employees was compromised during the attack, they also emphasized that the incident is still in its early stages and that the public will be informed as additional details become available.

The timing of the cyber attack is especially noteworthy in light of recent events in Fulton County, including the indictment of former President Donald Trump and 18 others by District Attorney Fani Willis in a high-profile election interference case. The attack has raised questions and concerns about the security of the county’s systems in the midst of ongoing legal and political issues.

The outage has severely impacted various transactions related to the tax and justice systems, including the issuance of marriage and firearm licenses. Additionally, most county offices are currently unable to accept phone calls due to the incident, further exacerbating the disruptions caused by the cyber attack.

In response to the attack, the FBI office in Atlanta has been in contact with county officials, offering support and assistance. The FBI routinely advises both public and private sectors on cybersecurity threats and collaborates with interagency partners to combat cybercrime.

As the investigation into the cyber attack on Fulton County continues, residents and officials are being advised to remain vigilant about cybersecurity threats and to cooperate with law enforcement efforts to identify and address the actions of cybercriminals.

In the meantime, the Fulton County government and law enforcement are working diligently to restore the affected systems and minimize the impact of the cyber attack on public services and operations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by cyber attacks and the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and ensure the reliable functioning of essential government services.

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