🌱 Hackers Claim Forsyth Co. Attack + First Waterslide Coaster In GA | #hacking | #cybersecurity | #infosec | #comptia | #pentest | #hacker

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Cumming.

Aug 30, 2023 3:28 pm EDT | Updated Aug 30, 2023 4:07 pm EDT

Good morning, friends! It’s me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let’s get this Thursday started off right, with a quick review of everything you need to know about what’s happening in town. Today’s issue includes:

• Ransomware group takes responsibility on Forsyth Co. Gov.
• First “waterslide coaster” to be built on Lake Lanier
• 100th anniversary of the Cumming Public School

But first, today’s weather:

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Sunny and delightful. High: 86 Low: 66.

Here are the top five stories today in Cumming:

1. A ransomware group, AlphV, has claimed responsibility for an attack on Forsyth County. The attack, which occurred earlier this year, was acknowledged by county officials in June, but specific details were not disclosed. The AlphV group recently admitted to the attack and included the county on its leak site, threatening to expose 350GB of allegedly stolen data. Fulton County’s Department of Communications director, Russell Brown, confirmed that the county detected and contained the ransomware attack. The county is collaborating with law enforcement, cybersecurity firms, and data forensics consultants to manage the incident. The attack compromised sensitive data, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers of county residents. This incident marks the 53rd local government ransomware attack in the US this year, with around 31 cases involving data theft. (The Record)
2. Georgia’s first “waterslide coaster” is set to debut next year at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, located on the shores of Lake Lanier near Cumming. The facility is investing millions to introduce a tower of four new slides, including the “Apocalypso” coaster, making it the state’s largest slide complex with a total of 15 slides. The expansion is a collaboration with aquatic attraction designer WhiteWater West and is expected to be a major milestone for Margaritaville at Lanier Islands since its rebranding in 2018. (Urbanize Atlanta)
3. Tam’s Backstage, a restaurant in Forsyth County, recently hosted a benefit dinner to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Cumming Public School. The event raised over $11,000 for two community nonprofits. This gathering was a special occasion where community members came together to support local causes and celebrate the school’s centenary. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)
4. A local nonprofit, Creative Enterprises, organized a successful fundraising concert event at Cumming City Center last week, raising $78k. The event showcased performances by Creative Enterprises staff and clients before the main band took the stage. The local nonprofit focuses on teaching life and work skills to adults with special needs. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)
5. Join Sawnee Mountain Preserve for a free family activity this weekend, where you can create a leaf painting. The event will take place on Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. To participate, register here, and enjoy a Super Saturday at Sawnee Mountain Preserve. (Forsyth County Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

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Today in Cumming:

Thursday, August 31

• Preschool Pals At Hampton Park Library (11:00 AM)
• Food Truck: Old Dad’s Wings At NoFo Brew Co. (4:00 PM)
• Curriculum Night (1st, 3rd, 5th) At New Hope Elementary School (5:30 PM)

From our partner:

Do you know an outstanding community leader in Cumming? Nominate them here for a chance to be featured on Patch!

From my notebook:

• After reaching record highs in 2022, nationwide rates of catalytic converter thefts appear to be on the decline for the first half of 2023. In Georgia, catalytic converter thefts have decreased by 14.57 percent from 2022, though rates are still up over 3,211 percent from 2019. (BeenVerified)
• On the last Thursday of each month, the Cumming Dairy Queen partners with Georgia Street Rod Association for a car cruise-in. This month’s cruise-in is happening today at 4:00 p.m. (carcruisefinder.com)
• Mark your calendar for the Outdoor International Arts & Crafts Festival on Sep. 9 at Cumming Arts Center. Click the link to learn more. (Cumming Patch)

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Featured events:

• Call to Photographers for Art Show-Entries Being Accepted Sept 1 through Oct 15, 2023 (September 1)
• Outdoor International Arts & Crafts Festival-Sept 9, Sat, 10am-4pm (September 1)
• Forsyth County Art Teachers are Showcased at the Cumming Arts Center (September 1)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta @ Ballroom Impact – Beginner / Beyond Basic (September 2)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (September 5)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.