Bay Area city remains paralyzed week after cyberattack

"On March 19, 2026, the City's network was attacked by an external actor in the form of a ransomware attack, and this attack caused network access to become unavailable, which significantly interferes with City staff's ability to conduct business and provide services."

"While 911 and police services were restored within hours, other key modes of communication, including email and phone lines, are currently unavailable."

"City Council members voted 4-0 in favor of declaring a 'local emergency.' While phones and emails are not functioning, City Hall is still open with 'limited services.'"

"Foster City isn't the first Bay Area municipality to be targeted in a cyberattack. In 2023, the Oakland city government was hit by an attack from the PLAY hacker group."

Foster City has been largely shut down for over a week following a ransomware cyberattack on March 19, 2026. The attack disrupted the city's network, hindering staff's ability to conduct business and provide services. While emergency services like 911 were restored quickly, email and phone communications remain unavailable. The City Council declared a local emergency, and City Hall is open with limited services. There is no timeline for the restoration of full services. Foster City is not alone, as other Bay Area municipalities have faced similar cyber threats in the past.

Read at SFGATE