Cybersecurity issues in Contra Costa County, one city declares state of emergency

Two East Bay cities are investigating cybersecurity issues, including a ransomware attack that happened this week. The City of Oakley declared a state of emergency after being subject to a ransomware attack. The city’s Information Technology Division is working with law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals to investigate the attack while ensuring that emergency services are not affected.

In Pleasant Hill, police are investigating a “cyber incident” that affected the city’s computer infrastructure. The intrusion was quickly isolated, and city services remained operational at all times, ensuring that public safety was not compromised.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that denies access to a user’s data until a ransom is paid. These incidents in Contra Costa County highlight the importance of cybersecurity measures in local governments to protect sensitive information and ensure uninterrupted service provision to residents.