Wilmington Takes Media Mailbox Offline Amid Cyberattacks

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The City of Wilmington has taken its media mailbox offline as a proactive security measure in response to a wave of cyberattacks impacting local governments in the Cape Fear region. The temporary shutdown is part of an effort to protect sensitive communications and reduce cyber risks, though there has been no security incident involving the media mailbox itself.

Why it matters

Cybercrime has become a growing threat for local governments, with neighboring communities like Pender County and Carolina Beach suffering significant financial losses from recent attacks. Wilmington's decision to review its public-facing systems reflects the need for municipalities to stay vigilant and protect sensitive information in the face of these rising cyber threats.

The details

The City of Wilmington says it is taking its media mailbox offline while conducting a proactive security review. This is in response to a wave of cyberattacks on local governments in the Cape Fear region. Pender County lost over $650,000 after scammers impersonated a utilities authority, while Carolina Beach had nearly $500,000 stolen in two separate incidents in December. Wilmington's review is being done out of caution to evaluate any public-facing systems that could expose sensitive information, though there has been no security incident with the media mailbox itself.

• The City of Wilmington took its media mailbox offline on February 18, 2026.
• Wilmington expects to update the public on the status of the media mailbox by the end of March 2026.

What’s next

The City of Wilmington expects to update the public on the status of the media mailbox by the end of March 2026.