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SBI investigates ransomware attack on city of Durham, officials say

Durham City and County services targeted in cyber attack, 80 servers taken offline (WTVD)
(WTVD)

DURHAM, N.C. — The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said a Russian hacker group has attacked the city of Durham, WTVD reported.

The SBI said it’s impacting the Police Department, the Durham Sheriff’s Department and the communications center.

“At this time, City IT staff are bringing systems back online while investigating the source of the attack,” city officials said. “Critical public safety systems, including 911 and other public safety agencies, are operational and emergency calls are being handled.”

Officials said 80 servers were taken offline by the cyberattack late Friday night.

The city’s 911 call center is down, and the Durham Police Department has lost all telephone service, but the city said 911 calls are still being received.

The ransomware was sent through an email attachment.

“It is crazy. How can you hack all lines at once? Unless there are several ways, but that’s weird,” said a Durham resident.

Officials said people should not open mail attachments from the city of Durham.

The city phone company and a cybersecurity company are working to fix the problem.

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