News Summary
A significant cyberattack on Georgia’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) call center has caused major disruptions, preventing EBT recipients from accessing essential account information. The attack led to the shutdown of the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, affecting thousands of families who rely on these benefits. Security measures include locking some EBT cards and issuing new ones. An investigation is underway, with coordination among multiple states to address the issue and enhance system security.
Atlanta, Georgia – A significant cyberattack targeting Georgia’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) call center has disrupted services, as the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system operated by Conduent was taken offline on July 28. This incident has impacted the ability of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) recipients to check card statuses, review balances, and access essential account information. The attack involved bots that attempted to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, prompting precautionary measures that included locking some EBT cards.
The shutdown of the call center persisted for over a week, causing considerable inconvenience for many Central Georgia families who have faced challenges in accessing their benefits. Several EBT cardholders have reported being locked out of their accounts, making it difficult for them to secure food for their families. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) has not provided a specific timeline for when the IVR system will be fully operational again, heightening concerns among affected recipients.
Georgia’s DHS has advised EBT cardholders to change their PINs immediately as a security measure. Recipients are also urged to examine their accounts closely for any unauthorized changes. Meanwhile, new EBT cards are being issued to deactivate those affected by the breach, as part of the state’s response to the ongoing situation. An investigation into the cyberattack is currently underway, with officials committed to learning more about the incident and to ensuring system safety. The USDA is collaborating with state and federal partners to monitor developments closely.
This cyberattack comes in the context of similar incidents reported in at least six other states, including Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Virginia. Each of these states has experienced related disruptions to their SNAP services, indicating a potentially widespread issue that has raised questions about the security of these essential support systems. Conduent, the vendor responsible for operating Georgia’s SNAP system, has stated that it maintains robust processes aimed at detecting and preventing suspicious activities.
As the investigation unfolds, the Georgia DHS has reached out to officials in other affected states to gather information regarding their experiences and responses to these cyber threats. This collaborative effort may help improve understanding of the vulnerabilities in the systems and bolster defenses moving forward.
Families reliant on SNAP benefits are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the challenges posed by these disruptions. With the rise in cyberattacks targeting public assistance programs, both state and federal officials are under pressure to reassure the public that necessary steps are being taken to safeguard sensitive information and ensure continued access to food assistance.
As the situation develops, families are encouraged to remain vigilant and proactively manage their SNAP accounts. The emphasis on security, alongside the ongoing investigation, underscores the importance of maintaining trust in the systems designed to support individuals and families in need during challenging times.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- 13 WMAZ
- Google Search: Georgia SNAP cyberattack
- 11 Alive
- Google Scholar: SNAP benefits cybersecurity
- WSB TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nutrition
- Atlanta News First
- Google News: SNAP call center cyberattack
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
