Insurance Will Not Cover Surfside Beach Cyber Incident

Town staffers were informed that a $545,000 payment meant for Gastonia-based Wildcat Contractors never made it into the company's account.

The insurer for the town of Surfside Beach has decided not to cover the cost of a cyber incident.

In April, town staffers were informed that a $545,000 payment meant for Gastonia-based Wildcat Contractors never made it into the company’s account. That was discovered after the check was issued. Instead, it was diverted through a cyberattack.

The Great American Insurance Group stated it has declined to cover legal fees to respond to the contractor’s request for payment for services rendered, as well as any third-party claim alleging monies owed.

The cyberattacks did not access the town’s core IT systems. However, Surfside beach leaders said they are strengthening protocols.

Town leaders are still waiting for the results of an independent forensic audit and a SLED investigation into the attack.