# Ransomware Halts Vicksburg City Systems, Utility Payments Affected **Vicksburg**, Mississippi, has fallen victim to a ransomware attack, leading to a shutdown of its municipal computer systems. Mayor **Willis Thompson** confirmed the incident, assuring residents that emergency services are unaffected, but utility payments have been disrupted. ## City Initiates Investigation and Recovery Mayor Thompson issued a statement in the local newspaper, describing the system shutdown as "temporary." He emphasized that no utility services would be disconnected during the ongoing investigation, and no penalties would be imposed for late payments. The city is actively engaged in recovery efforts, collaborating with federal and state agencies, including the **FBI** and the **Department of Homeland Security**, alongside private cybersecurity experts. ## Data Compromise a Key Concern "One of the top priorities of our investigation is determining whether there was any compromise of personal or confidential information relating to current and/or former customers, contractors, vendors, employees, or affiliated business partners of the City," Mayor Thompson stated. He added that a final determination regarding data access or acquisition has not yet been reached. The city has refrained from disclosing technical details, citing concerns that such information could impede the investigation, recovery efforts, or the security of its systems. Details regarding any ransom demands or the identity of the attackers have not been released. ## A Growing Trend in Mississippi This incident is not isolated for Mississippi. The state recently experienced a devastating ransomware attack on the **University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)**, the largest healthcare organization in the state. The **UMMC**, which houses critical facilities like the state's only children's hospital and Level I trauma center, faced weeks of operational disruption and required **FBI** assistance for recovery. Last year, ransomware gangs also targeted a prominent electricity utility and another county in Mississippi, highlighting a concerning trend of cyberattacks against public and essential services in the region.