City of Bella Vista offices closed through Wednesday after possible ‘cyber incident’

UPDATE: The City of Bella Vista said in a social media post on Tuesday that city offices would remain closed on Wednesday, August 21.

“The possible cybersecurity incident is being thoroughly investigated and therefore the network systems, including internet and phones, at city offices are shut down,” the city said.

BELLA VISTA, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The City of Bella Vista says it is investigating a possible “cyber incident”, according to a news release.

City offices were closed on Monday due to the lack of internet and phone access after IT shut down all systems as a precautionary measure, the city said.

Offices will remain closed on Tuesday, August 20 and business will be conducted virtually and via email with employees working remotely.

The city said its IT department discovered “suspicious activity” on Sunday evening and took steps to investigate the issue. Bella Vista reached out to the Arkansas Municipal League for assistance in the investigation.

City Hall, Community Development Services, Bella Vista District Court, Bella Vista Public Library, and Bella Vista Street Department will all be closed on Tuesday.

The city said fire and police personnel will be able to be dispatched through Bella Vista’s dispatch center by calling the emergency number at 479-855-3771 or 911.

No further information was available.

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