26K Social Security Numbers Possibly Exposed In Suffolk Cyberattack: Reports

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Suffolk officials estimate 26,000 current and retired employees' social security numbers may have been exposed during the cyberattack three months ago, News 12 reported.

The people whose personal information might have been exposed include those who were enrolled in the county's medical plan since 2013, and they will be getting letters notifying them, the outlet reported.

County Executive Steve Bellone told News 12 on Thursday night that the possible compromise was found by a forensics team conducting an examination and they believe that the information was exfiltrated. He said officials do not believe that the social security numbers have been published on the dark web.

Marykate Guilfoyle, a spokeswoman for Bellone, said officials met with the forensic team on Wednesday night and decided to begin notifications, Newsday reported.

Suffolk officials have been continuing to navigate the Sept. 8 cyberattack that forced them to shut down the county's web-based applications such as email and several websites. The attack was later determined to be a ransomware attack, though officials have never indicated if a demand was made.

County officials announced last week that the driver's licenses, and other personal identification information like passports, of people who were issued tickets between 2013 and 2022 might have been exposed in the attack.

They are now offering free credit monitoring and restoration to people who are eligible.

Islip Town have announced that unusual activity was detected on the town's computer system, though officials do not believe anyone in the public is at risk. The town's computer network, including email, remains offline.

In light of the recent news, Patchogue Village officials have requested an update on their own cyber-security from the government's Internet Technology consultants.

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