BlackByte ransomware crew reports to have attacked city of Augusta, city denies

The BlackByte ransomware crew has targeted Augusta, Georgia, in a cyber incident, with the city's mayor promising to provide more details.

In a statement about the "network outage" posted on the city's website, the Mayor of Augusta said the "technical difficulties" – disrupting some of the city's computer systems started on Sunday, May 21.

The city is investigating whether any data was stolen in the intrusion and working with law enforcement and has later denied the claim of the ransomware crew.

The ransomware gang has claimed responsibility, listed the city on its data leak site, claimed to have stolen 10GB of "sensitive data", and demanded a $50 million payment.