'Cybersecurity incident' in Apex was attempted ransomware, Town says

A cybersecurity incident was blamed for knocking out some town systems in Apex.

On Thursday, the Town of Apex said the incident, which was first detected Tuesday, was confirmed as an attempted ransomware act.

The city specifically cited utility billing and building permits as services that were taken offline for the time being.

On Tuesday morning Apex's IT department spotted problems pointing to what the city is calling a "cybersecurity incident." The town launched an investigation, reaching out to the North Carolina Joint Cybersecurity Task Force and federal law enforcement agencies.

Apex wrote on its website that emergency plans in place allowed the town to continue to regularly operate safety and emergency services without any problems.

"We are committed to addressing the situation quickly and responsibly, by collaborating with legal counsel, technical experts, and cybersecurity professionals," the town wrote in a statement.

A Town official said nothing more about the cybercriminals and no demand had been received.

"In compliance with North Carolina law, the Town of Apex has not and will not communicate with, negotiate with, nor make payment to those responsible for this incident," a town spokesperson said in a release.

An investigation continues as the Town continues with recovery efforts.

Apex emergency services have not been interrupted and remain operational.

Apex Mayor Jacque Gilbert declined to comment Thursday on the cyber incident.