This report details a ransomware attack on the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office by the Qilin gang, which disrupted multiple IT services in April 2025. The attack is part of a broader increase in ransomware incidents targeting US government agencies and departments. (Affected: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and possibly residents and personnel)
Keypoints :
- The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office was targeted in an April 14, 2025, ransomware attack claimed by the Qilin gang.
- The hackers demanded a $300,000 ransom; the sheriff’s office did not pay but spent $48,000 on cybersecurity restitution.
- The attack caused system disruptions for over two weeks, affecting the office’s website, warrant searches, mugshot database, and communication channels.
- Qilin, a Russia-based ransomware group, claims responsibility for numerous attacks targeting government and other organizations since 2022.
- Quantitech reports that 20 US government entities experienced confirmed ransomware attacks in 2025, risking data theft and system shutdowns.
- Recovery from such attacks averages nearly 20 days, with potential for permanent data loss and increased fraud risks if ransom is not paid.
- The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed if personal data was compromised or how the breach occurred.
Read More: https://www.comparitech.com/news/ransomware-gang-says-it-hacked-the-sheriff-of-hamilton-county-tn/