This is fast becoming a reality likely because government municipalities (especially smaller ones) are easier targets. But we must not think poorer 3rd world municipalities are immune as they don't sit on piles of cash, as they can least afford having their services and income effected. Such attacks often mean not being able to receive income or pay creditors.
Online backups may also not be good enough it these, in turn, get overwritten by the virus. Municipalities would do well to familiarise themselves with basic preventative measures.
See
https://www.kut.org/post/ransomware-attack-hits-local-governments-texasSome tips can be found at
https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-malware-7-tips-to-prevent-ransomware.html and at
https://phoenixnap.com/blog/preventing-detecting-ransomware-attacks#
ransomware #
vulnerability #
security Ransomware Attack Hits Local Governments In Texas 
Update: The number of local government entities in Texas affected by a ransomware attack is now up to 23. In a release Saturday afternoon , the Texas
