Two significant cyberattacks have disrupted local government operations in Thomasville, North Carolina, and the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office in Georgia.

Thomasville, a city of about 30,000, reported widespread system outages, although essential services remain operational. Meanwhile, the Ogeechee District in Georgia, overseeing four counties, faces major setbacks with multiple offices closed and communications disabled due to a cyber breach that began Tuesday.

Both incidents exemplify ongoing challenges in municipal cybersecurity.

In Thomasville, officials remain uncertain about the full impact of the intrusion and have enlisted a cybersecurity firm for recovery efforts. In Georgia, although prior warnings urged the implementation of a data backup system, these were not acted upon until late 2024.

Fortunately, proactive cybersecurity policies introduced by the district’s new leadership helped minimize potential data loss.

Why It Matters: These events highlight the persistent vulnerability of local government systems to cyber threats, especially when budget constraints delay critical cybersecurity investments. The contrast in preparedness and response between the two locations illustrates how proactive measures can significantly mitigate damage and maintain public trust.

• Thomasville’s System Outage: The City of Thomasville, North Carolina, suffered a cyberattack that forced the shutdown of multiple municipal systems. While critical services such as emergency response remain functional, most city operations are disrupted. Officials have yet to determine whether sensitive information was compromised, and they are collaborating with a cybersecurity firm to evaluate the scope of the intrusion and outline a recovery plan. The city has alerted both state and federal authorities in accordance with cybersecurity protocol.

• Echoes of Past Attacks in the Region: This incident is part of a broader trend, occurring just months after a similar attack in Winston-Salem, roughly 30 minutes north of Thomasville. The repetition of attacks in close geographical proximity raises concerns about a possible coordinated targeting of vulnerable municipal systems in the region. North Carolina’s law prohibiting government entities from paying ransomware demands adds another layer of complexity to the response strategy.

• Operational Paralysis in Georgia: In Georgia, the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, which serves four counties, experienced a severe cyberattack on Tuesday. The breach has led to significant disruptions, including widespread internet and phone outages and the closure of several offices for at least five days. The office issued public warnings through newspapers and social media, informing residents of limited operational capabilities, including curtailed court appearances and restricted access to email communications.

• Security Gaps Due to Budget Constraints: The Ogeechee DA’s Office had been previously advised to implement a robust backup system to safeguard against such threats but delayed doing so due to budgetary limitations. While efforts to secure the system began in December 2024, the complexity of backing up a large volume of sensitive data meant the process was not completed in time to prevent exposure. This delay left critical judicial operations vulnerable to attack.

• Proactive Measures Yield Results: Fortunately, newly appointed District Attorney Robert Busbee had made cybersecurity a priority upon taking office. His early initiatives, including improved monitoring systems and IT vigilance, enabled real-time detection of the breach. This prompt response allowed IT specialists to contain the intrusion swiftly, thereby preventing a catastrophic loss of sensitive legal data and setting a valuable example of how early investments in cybersecurity can pay off during a crisis.

Go Deeper -> Government offices in North Carolina, Georgia disrupted by cyberattacks – The Record

Cyberattacks Disrupt Government Services in North Carolina and Georgia – Infoshare

North Carolina, Georgia subjected to cyber intrusions – SC Media