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City computers attacked as mayor speaks about it [Cleburne Times-Review, Texas]
[October 30, 2014]

City computers attacked as mayor speaks about it [Cleburne Times-Review, Texas]


(Cleburne Times-Review (TX) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 29--Yet another cyber attack befell Cleburne's city computer system on Wednesday afternoon, just as Mayor Scott Cain was addressing the recent attacks.

The latest marks the fifth attack in the past two weeks totally four cyber attacks on the city's web site and one on the server.

City IT workers have logged more than 120 hours in recent days fighting against and trying to stay ahead of the attacks, Cain said.

Cain added that personal information on residents remains safe, secure and uncompromised.

"The privacy of our residents is our main concern and paramount," Cain said. "We've been working and will continue to work night and day to maintain the integrity of our systems." Cain said he considers the attacks cyber terrorism against both the city and all Cleburne residents.



Cain said no suspects have been identified, but added he believes the attacks may be in response to controversy stirred after videos surfaced earlier this month of a Cleburne police officer shooting a pit bull.

"The timing looks like someone trying to latch on to the dog incident," Cain said. "But we simply don't know at this point." The city's website first went down on the weekend after the videos first surfaced on Oct. 17.


The matter has been turned over to the "authorities" Cain said, and remains under investigation.

"I don't know if I can convey how upset we are as a city about this. But we're not going to put up with these attacks on our city and residents. We will get to the bottom of this and when we do find the people or parties responsible they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law." Cain stressed that the attacks have, so far, not interrupted 911 service.

"We have backups and redundant backups in place to ensure the safety of our residents," Cain said.

The attacks have, however, slowed city systems at times including automated programs allowing residents to pay bills, pull permits or communicate with city officials, Scott said, while repeating that personal information has not been compromised.

Cain addressed the matter about 4:30 p.m. at city hall. Toward the end of his statement on the matter, city employees informed Cain that another attack on the city's system was underway.

___ (c)2014 the Cleburne Times-Review (Cleburne, Texas) Visit the Cleburne Times-Review (Cleburne, Texas) at www.cleburnetimesreview.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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