THE BIG IDEA

Could Virginia withstand another cyber attack?

Last month, a major cyber attack hit the country's largest healthcare payment system. This a breach led to widespread panic, as it left healthcare providers unable to pay for life-saving medicines, and some patients with their payment histories erased.

These types of cyberattacks are happening more and more each year. In 2023, the US reported over 2,000 cyber attacks — double the number from a few years ago.

Virginia itself has also faced a rise in cyberattacks. In 2021, the state's legislative computer systems were hit by a ransomware attack. This caused major issues during an important legislative session. That same year, hackers shut down a major gas pipeline that serves most of Virginia's gas stations. This led Gov. Northam at the time to declare a state of emergency.

These attacks were planned to cause as much disruption as possible. They showed how vulnerable the state's critical infrastructure can be. Virginia has become a national leader in cybersecurity in recent years, but more precautionary work is still needed to secure the state's infrastructure in the event of another disaster.

Bulletin Board 📌 

Reader Restaurant Recommendation: One of our readers, Frank, recommends you guys check out Sweetwater Tavern. It’s is a part of the Great American Restaurants chain — a staple of the NoVA restaurant scene.

Sweetwater has locations in Merrifield, Sterling, and Centreville. Make sure to get a bread basket! It’s delicious and costs only $1. Plus, the dollar goes to charity. It’s a win-win-win.

We here at Just Outside DC usually get all ozzie rolls instead of the mixed variety.

P.S - If you want us to give you and your favorite NoVA restaurant a shout out in the newsletter, just fill out this form :) 

QUICK HITS

• The IRS owes Virginians over $28M in unclaimed refunds.

• 43 rabbits were received by Loudoun County’s Animal Services and are in need of adoption.

• Arlington remains the highest cost-per-square foot home cost in Northern VA.

• Dolly Parton’s free books for kids program is expanding in Virginia.

• Loudoun residents Sela and Lillian’s American Idol run has come to an end.

• Wolf Trap is undergoing renovations to upgrade their concert experience.

• Paul Stanley from KISS displays art at the Wentworth Gallery in Tysons.

• The story of “Chessy” — the CIA-owned crane helping clean up the wreckage from the bridge collapse in Baltimore.

• Fairfax born artist Shaboozey collaborates with Beyoncé on new song “SPAGHETTI”.

• The historic Royal Restaurant reopens under new management as it celebrates 120 years in business.

• George Mason University’s research programs rank highest by performance in Virginia.

• Fairfax County wants to make affordable housing more accessible for people with mental illnesses.

• Celebrity chef Myron Mixon opened up a BBQ joint in Dunn Loring.

EVENTS

• Check out this historical tour of Fort Washington Park by one of our readers, Ed!

• Fairfax County is teaming up with AARP to put on the 7th annual Scam Jam — learn how you can fight against con artists.

• Taste of NoVA tickets are now available for 2024.

• Loudoun Symphony Orchestra is performing on the 27th.

• The 5th annual Old Town Speed & Style Festival is on for May 19th.

• Thai Street Food & Culture Festival is back in Manassas on the 21st.

• Gold on Ice is happening on Friday, featuring the world champ and Vienna resident Ilia Malinin.

• The Beach Boys are performing at Wolf Trap in a couple months.

• 4 Broadway shows are on the docket for this year at Capital One Hall.

• Taste of Tysons happening at the Plaza on the 4th.

• Here’s a guide for the must-visit Farmer’s markets around Northern VA.
  The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Fest is happening at Reston Town Center next month.

• Lake Braddock High School is putting on a performance of Romeo and Juliet.

• The West End Business Association is having a power networking breakfast event.

• Apex Fencing in Chantilly is putting on kids summer camps in a few months.

• DC Startup Week is confirmed for October.

• Comedian Brian Posehn is performing at the Arlington Drafthouse later this month.

• The Tarara Summer Concert Series is on in Leesburg this summer.

• Mason Space Exploration Center is running a camp this summer for middle school aged kids.

• Viva Vienna is less than forty days away!

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