Columbia Ransomware Attack Disrupts City Services

Columbia, South Carolina, confirmed that a ransomware attack discovered Oct. 20 disrupted several public-facing city services and involved sensitive data on its network. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating with cybersecurity specialists, but officials have not said whether information was accessed or compromised or identified the attackers. MyColaSC, geographic information systems, parks reservations and some Animal Services functions are among the affected services, while police, fire, 911, water and payment services remain operational. Residents can call 803-545-3300 to report issues normally handled through MyColaSC as the city works to restore affected systems.