Story perspectives

Buncombe County Overhauls Alert System After Cyberattack

11/28/2025

Summary

Story summary

Buncombe County is implementing an alternate emergency notification system after a cyberattack on OnSolve CodeRED.
The breach was confirmed on November 24 and may have exposed users’ personal information.
Buncombe County officials are actively seeking a new contractor to restore alert services.
In Harrisburg, the mayor reassured residents that the attack was contained and urged password changes.
Harrisburg is working with Crisis24 to transition to a secure server.

History

Historical Context

The 2021 ransomware attack on Ireland's Health Service Executive (HSE) marked a significant escalation in cyber threats, following a 300% increase in ransomware incidents reported by the FBI that year. This attack, attributed to the Wizard Spider group, compromised sensitive data of over 520 patients and prompted municipalities like Buncombe County to reassess their cybersecurity protocols, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced digital security measures.

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Story summary

Buncombe County is implementing an alternate emergency notification system after a cyberattack on OnSolve CodeRED.
The breach was confirmed on November 24 and may have exposed users’ personal information.
Buncombe County officials are actively seeking a new contractor to restore alert services.
In Harrisburg, the mayor reassured residents that the attack was contained and urged password changes.
Harrisburg is working with Crisis24 to transition to a secure server.

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