Suisun City, California, declared a state of emergency after malicious software infected municipal information technology systems, affecting public safety and other city services. The attack impacted systems supporting 911 routing, police and fire dispatch, records, and administrative functions, prompting the city to shut down its computer network while preserving evidence for a federal investigation. Emergency calls continued to be handled after dispatch operations were transferred to the Solano County dispatch center.
The city activated its emergency operations center and began working with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, California Office of Emergency Services, and cybersecurity specialists to investigate the incident and restore systems. Some municipal services, including water-bill payments, permits, and business licensing, were temporarily unavailable. City officials had not publicly identified the attacker or disclosed whether a ransom demand had been made.
Why it matters: Municipal networks support essential public-safety and government functions, making cyber incidents capable of disrupting services well beyond conventional IT systems. Suisun City’s use of network isolation, alternate 911 dispatch arrangements, and emergency-response procedures also demonstrates the importance of contingency planning and operational redundancy in maintaining essential services during a cyberattack.
Source: KQED
Authors: Samantha Kennedy; Christopher Alam contributed
Published: August 9, 2026