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The city of Columbus is currently dealing with a cybersecurity issue that its officials insist is not linked to the recent global systems outage caused by CrowdStrike, which impacted airlines and various businesses, governmental functions, and the general public.

According to a press release on Monday by Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, the city’s Department of Technology suspects the problem originated from a city employee who unwittingly opened a harmful email. On Thursday, the department detected “evidence of an abnormality” within its system, distinct from the CrowdStrike incident. In response, the department swiftly implemented measures to contain and minimize the breach, including disconnecting internet access to safeguard data from potential exposure.

Officials from the technology department suspect an employee may have clicked on a dangerous link in an email.

However, the investigation into the exact source is still ongoing. The press release emphasizes that the city’s quick actions have disrupted information technology services for both Columbus employees and residents. While there is no specified timeline, efforts are underway to restore full operational capacity.

The 911 emergency dispatch and 311 nonemergency service systems remain functional, along with the employee payroll system, as confirmed by the release. City officials are currently uncertain whether any personal identifiable information has been compromised. They assure the public that if any personal data is found to be at risk, affected individuals will be notified.

Columbus’s technology department staff are now in the “eradication and recovery phase,” working to restore systems. City officials are also collaborating with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to eliminate the cyber threat and prevent further exposure.