The City of Columbia, South Carolina, has confirmed that a cybersecurity incident identified on October 24, 2026, was a ransomware attack that disrupted several online services and potentially involved sensitive data within the city’s network. City officials stated that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is currently investigating the incident, while cybersecurity specialists assess whether any sensitive information was accessed or compromised.
The ransomware attack has impacted various city services, including MyColaSC, Animal Services, parks and recreation reservations, and geographic information systems. Despite these disruptions, essential services such as police, fire, 911 communications, Columbia Water, and the city’s Payment Center remain operational. Residents are advised to report issues typically handled through MyColaSC, such as potholes and broken streetlights, by calling 803-545-3300.
In response to the attack, the city has implemented alternative procedures to maintain services while affected systems are offline. SLED may collaborate with the FBI and other agencies as the investigation progresses. However, officials have not yet confirmed whether any sensitive information was compromised during the attack.
This incident highlights the ongoing threat of ransomware attacks targeting municipal services, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and maintain operational continuity.
For further details, refer to the original report from WACH.
