JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WBMA) — Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common across Alabama and the country, impacting government agencies, businesses, schools, and everyday residents as experts warn cyber criminals are growing more sophisticated in how they target personal information.
Over the past two years, several high-profile cyber incidents have affected Alabama agencies and municipalities, including the City of Birmingham, the Alabama State Department of Education, and more recently, the City of Gardendale.
In 2024, Birmingham officials confirmed a disruption of the city’s computer network temporarily paused some online and in-person services involving licensing, taxing, and permitting. The Alabama State Department of Education also confirmed hackers breached some data and disrupted services before staff interrupted and stopped the attack. The department said at the time it was possible personally identifiable information may have been accessed, though it did not believe banking information was involved…