Union County, Pennsylvania, has fallen victim to a ransomware attack that compromised personal information belonging to its more than 40,000 residents. The Union County Cyberattack, discovered on March 13, 2025, has prompted an urgent response from county officials and federal law enforcement.
Union County officials confirmed the ransomware attack on Friday, notifying residents of the data breach and the potential risks to their personal data. In a public notice, county representatives explained that they had immediately launched an investigation upon discovering the cyberattack and had engaged cybersecurity experts to mitigate the damage and secure the network.
Federal law enforcement agencies were also notified as officials scrambled to determine the full scope of the cyberattack on Union County Pennsylvania. According to county authorities, the attack resulted in the unauthorized access and theft of personal data, though they are still assessing the exact details of the data breach.
Union County Cyberattack: What Happened?
The county detected the ransomware attack on March 13, 2025. As soon as officials became aware of the intrusion, they initiated an immediate response plan.
Union County recently determined that there was unauthorized access and acquisition of data stored on the county’s computer network. We take this matter very seriously because of our commitment to the privacy and security of all county information,” officials stated in the public notice.
By March 17, investigators confirmed that cybercriminals had stolen specific data, primarily affecting individuals involved with county law enforcement, court-related matters, and other government services. Authorities are still working to identify exactly who was impacted and where those individuals reside.
As of March 24, 2025, no known ransomware group has taken credit for the cyberattack on Union County’s systems. Ransomware gangs often exploit government networks to steal sensitive data and demand large payments in exchange for decryption keys. However, officials have not disclosed whether any ransomware group has claimed the attack or not.
What Information Was Stolen in Cyberattack on Union County?
Although the full extent of the data breach is still under investigation, primary findings indicate that the stolen information includes social security numbers and driver’s license numbers.
Officials have assured residents that they will receive written notifications if their information is confirmed to be compromised. The county has also pledged to provide complimentary credit monitoring services for affected individuals.
Union County has taken several immediate steps to prevent further damage and to enhance cybersecurity measures, including:
- Deploying advanced security tools to detect and respond to cyber incidents.
- Actively monitoring the network using endpoint detection tools to contain potential threats.
- Conducting an enterprise-wide password reset to eliminate unauthorized access.
- Strengthening external network access restrictions to prevent future breaches.
What Residents Can Do to Protect Themselves
Given the sensitive nature of the stolen data, county officials are urging residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their personal information. These measures include:
- Monitor financial accounts: Residents should check their bank and credit card statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions.
- Obtain a free credit report: Reviewing credit history can help detect suspicious activity early.
- Report suspected identity theft: Any instances of identity fraud should be reported to local law enforcement, the state Attorney General’s office, and major credit bureaus.
- Consider a security freeze: Placing a freeze on credit files can prevent cybercriminals from opening fraudulent accounts using stolen data.
Rising Cyber Threats Against Local Governments
Union County cyberattack is part of a growing trend of ransomware incidents targeting U.S. municipalities. The first quarter of 2025 has seen a surge in cyberattacks on county and city governments, crippling essential services and exposing sensitive data across multiple states.
Last week alone, cybercriminals targeted government systems in at least four states. Strafford County, New Hampshire, warned residents about severe communication system outages caused by a cyberattack, further highlighting the widespread nature of the threat.
Residents are advised to stay vigilant, take necessary precautions, and monitor official updates from county authorities as the investigation unfolds.
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