Columbus investigates whether data was stolen in ransomware attack

**City of Columbus ransomware incident (July 18, 2024):** The City experienced a ransomware-related cybersecurity incident that disrupted public-facing services and email/IT connectivity; emergency services (911/311) remained operational. City officials say systems were not encrypted and the intrusion was contained with FBI and DHS involvement, but investigators are still determining whether personal data was exfiltrated and will notify affected individuals if so. Reports indicate attackers accessed the network after an employee downloaded a ZIP file, and the actor is described as an established overseas threat.