The Mobile County Health Department recently shut down its computer network due to suspicious activity that hinted at a potential cyber attack. Officials are currently working with IT security consultants to assess the situation and determine the extent of the possible incident. All necessary authorities have been notified, although the full impact of the incident remains unknown at this time.
Despite the network shutdown, the department is committed to continuing to provide care and services to its patients and the community. Dr. Kevin Michaels, the Mobile County health officer, emphasized that their focus and mission remain unchanged amidst the potential cyber attack.
While all department services will still be available on Monday, some modifications may be necessary to ensure operations continue smoothly. Cyber attacks on public systems have been increasing in frequency, leading to disruptions in public services and daily operations.
Just earlier this year, the city of Birmingham experienced a cyber attack that affected its computer systems, causing delays in various services. The police department, for instance, had limited ability to access crucial information such as vehicle reports and outstanding warrants due to the lack of working computers. Additionally, some employees reported issues with their paychecks, resulting in a reliance on paper timesheets rather than electronic systems.
The aftermath of the attack has left the city of Birmingham grappling with the consequences and working towards recovery.