Georgia’s Coffee County was targeted by a ransomware cyberattack, leading to the county disconnecting from the state’s voter registration system as a precaution. The incident was identified by the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on April 15, with efforts underway to determine the source of the hack. The county’s response to the attack was confirmed by a spokesperson for Georgia’s secretary of state’s office.
The voter registration system known as GARViS was not breached by the cyberattack, but Coffee County’s network connection was severed as a safety measure. The county was without access to GARViS for several days, but has since been reconnected through backup laptops and isolated cellular networks. This technology was introduced to ensure accurate registration for millions of Georgian voters, and while it was not infiltrated by hackers, precautions were taken to protect the system.
Coffee County, a community of about 43,000 residents in southeastern Georgia, has been at the center of political controversy in the past. Supporters of former President Donald Trump attempted to breach the county’s election office in early 2021 in an effort to find evidence supporting baseless claims of election fraud. The incident highlights the susceptibility of local governments to cyber threats and the importance of securing election infrastructure.
Ransomware attacks have become a significant concern for state and local governments nationwide, with Georgia experiencing similar challenges. Fulton County, which includes Atlanta, was hit by ransomware earlier this year, disrupting county operations and delaying services like water bill payments. While Georgia has faced these cybersecurity challenges, efforts to protect election systems from potential disruptions have been a priority for federal authorities.
The potential for ransomware criminals to target election infrastructure has been a focus for US officials, with Cyber Command taking action against hackers who pose a threat to voting processes. While the recent cyberattack in Coffee County did not impact the election process, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing cybersecurity threats facing state and local governments. The response to these incidents underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard critical systems and infrastructure.
