‘Cybersecurity incident’ in Apex forces city to restrict some government services

The city of Apex is facing a “cybersecurity incident” that is forcing the western Wake County community to limit some government services.

“We are continuing to operate Apex City Hall during normal hours, but with reduced capacity, while we continue to investigate this matter and work to bring systems back online as quickly and safely as possible. All emergency services are back fully operational,” the city’s website said Wednesday afternoon.

Apex has launched an investigation, is in discussions with the North Carolina Joint Cybersecurity Task Force, and is working with “legal advisors, technical experts, and cybersecurity professionals.”

The information was posted on the city’s website at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, but the “irregularities” were not discovered until Tuesday morning.

“We have no control over the timing – over the last 24 hours we have been working to gather enough confirmed information to share,” said Stacie Galloway, the city’s communications director.

The News & Observer asked whether resident or employee data was improperly shared and whether the city was subject to a cyberattack or ransom. The questions remained unanswered Wednesday afternoon.

An update is expected by noon on July 4, Galloway said.

Municipal services affected

Payments for utility services can only be made in person. Payments cannot be made by phone or online. New accounts or account closures must be made in person or by phone, not online.

Requests for building permits must be made by 2 p.m. and are not possible online.