Former president Donald Trump lands in hot water as a complex ransomware attack on Fulton County, Georgia has taken an unexpected political turn by getting tied up with his ongoing legal issues.
The story began in early February when the county government’s computer systems were hacked and paralyzed by the notorious cybercrime group LockBit. After stealing sensitive data, LockBit threatened to publish it online if an unspecified ransom was not paid by February 16.
Fulton County refused to pay. But the saga took a strange turn last weekend when LockBit claimed the stolen data included “interesting things” about Trump’s court cases that could impact the next election. As it happens, Fulton County is where Trump is facing criminal prosecution for election interference.
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Lockbit’s continued threats stand to hamper Trump
LockBit continued to threaten publishing the data while falsely claiming they had already been paid. However, Fulton County commission chairman Robb Pitts held a press conference March 1 denying any ransom payment was made, either by the county or any third party.
“We simply have no control over that,” Pitts said about LockBit’s ability to leak the data. He stated the investigation into the attack is ongoing with law enforcement assistance.
So for now, the ransomware standoff continues. LockBit still possesses sensitive data but has not made good on threats to make it public so far. Fulton County systems remain paralyzed by the attack, although Pitts said restoration efforts are underway.
Meanwhile, Trump’s legal fate hangs in the balance as the criminal cases against him proceed – seemingly now entangled with the actions of a notorious cybercrime ring. It’s an unexpected and confusing situation that shows no signs of quick resolution.
