ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) – Albemarle County is grappling with a cybersecurity incident that has left residents with more questions than answers. The disruption began Thursday, June 12, when the county reported internet outages before confirming an active cyberattack had been underway since earlier in the week. Officials later revealed they intentionally shut down internet access on the advice of cybersecurity experts. While the county is working with federal and state law enforcement to resolve the breach, it has declined to disclose specifics—including whether sensitive taxpayer data was compromised—citing the ongoing investigation.
A Familiar Threat
Jack Davidson, a cybersecurity expert and University of Virginia professor, says attacks like these often follow a predictable pattern. “They’re likely assessing how the breach occurred and whether it aligns with known threat groups,” Davidson said. While not involved in the investigation, he explained that such attacks typically target money or data, with hackers often holding information for ransom. Despite declining cybercrime rates globally, Davidson warns that local governments remain vulnerable. “These criminals conduct reconnaissance, making their tactics appear legitimate,” he said. “Everyone must stay vigilant—these threats are more common than people realize.” As Albemarle County works to restore systems, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing risks to public institutions.
