Minnesota activates National Guard as cyberattack on Saint Paul disrupts public services
TechCrunch2 days
Minnesota Deploys National Guard After St. Paul Cyberattack
Above: The State Capitol building in St. Paul, Minnesota. Image copyright: Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The cyberattack on St. Paul represents an unprecedented threat, exposing the city’s vulnerability to digital warfare. With a coordinated assault overwhelming the city’s defenses, officials had no choice but to shut down all systems to protect vital infrastructure. The deployment of the National Guard highlights the severity of this breach — a wake-up call that cities must urgently address their cybersecurity weaknesses before more cities fall victim to such attacks.
Narrative B
The cyberattack on St. Paul is likely a ransomware incident, with hackers using data-scrambling software to disrupt city services and demand payment. The swift shutdown of systems on July 28 and the involvement of the FBI point to a well-orchestrated effort to extort the city. While officials claim measures are in place to contain the damage and protect sensitive data, local governments are often ill-equipped to handle such sophisticated breaches, putting vital infrastructure at risk.