Officials Investigating Cyberattack in New York State Capital Region Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

Cyberattack Investigation Underway in New York’s State Capital Region

Officials in New York’s state capital region are currently investigating a cyberattack that has raised concerns ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy confirmed that they are working with state authorities to address the potential cybersecurity breach in county networks.

The incident, which was first reported by the Times Union newspaper, has impacted a county with over 310,000 residents. This is not the first time the region has faced such threats, as the county has previously dealt with ransomware attacks on the local airport, a 911 dispatch center, and even the city of Albany itself.

Last month, the statehouse was also targeted by a ransomware gang, highlighting the growing threat of cyberattacks on government institutions. In response to these incidents, Governor Kathy Hochul has made cybersecurity a top priority, appointing Colin Ahern as the state’s first-ever chief cyber officer and allocating additional funds to bolster the state’s cybersecurity budget.

Ransomware expert Brett Callow has noted that at least 45 local governments across the country have been impacted by ransomware attacks this year, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. As investigations continue into the cyberattack in New York’s state capital region, residents are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their personal information.