The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office is actively recovering from a ransomware attack that disrupted its operations nearly two weeks ago. The cyberattack, which first came to light on August 18, targeted the agency’s email systems, phone lines, and even brought down its website. State Attorney General Dave Sunday confirmed the breach and stated that progress has been made in restoring services.
According to General Dave, the attack was initiated by an external actor who encrypted internal files in an attempt to extort the office into paying a ransom. However, no payment was made. “This situation has certainly tested OAG staff and prompted some modifications to our typical routines — however, we are committed to our duty and mission to protect and represent Pennsylvanians, and are confident that mission is being fulfilled,” he said in a statement last Friday.
The Attorney General’s Office is conducting an ongoing investigation in collaboration with other state and federal agencies. Due to the sensitive nature of the probe, officials have withheld specific details but assured the public that updates will be provided as needed. Individuals potentially affected will be contacted directly if the investigation uncovers that nonpublic information was compromised, reported NewtownPANow.
Operations Continue Despite Setbacks
The attack briefly paralyzed one of the Commonwealth’s most critical law enforcement bodies. The Attorney General’s Office, which employs approximately 1,200 staff across 17 locations statewide, handles everything from criminal prosecutions to consumer protection and financial fraud investigations.
Despite the disruption, services are gradually being restored. Most staff have regained email access, and the office’s main phone line and website are back online. General Dave acknowledged that while some tasks are still being performed through alternative methods, the team remains operational and focused on fulfilling its mandate.
“You can judge the character of an organization by how it reacts to adversity. I am very proud of our staff who continue to work and find ways to overcome these unexpected hurdles to fulfill our duty to the Commonwealth,” Sunday added.
No Major Legal Disruptions Expected
To mitigate the impact of the incident, some courts issued temporary extensions in both criminal and civil cases. These continuances, the office noted, are part of routine legal procedures and not expected to have long-term effects. “We do not expect — based on what the investigation has revealed so far — that any criminal prosecutions or civil proceedings will be negatively impacted solely due to the outside interruption,” the office confirmed.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have continued to appear in court, and agents have carried out investigative tasks, including public safety initiatives expected to be announced soon.
Cybersecurity Concerns on the Rise
The ransomware incident is part of a broader trend of cyberattacks on government agencies.
In recent years, federal authorities have repeatedly warned local and state governments about the increasing threat of such digital intrusions. Last year, Bucks County’s 9-1-1 system was similarly targeted.
“Our work to restore full operations continues,” the Attorney General’s Office said in a recent update. “We are also working to help other agencies avoid a similar scenario.”
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