COBB COUNTY, GA — April 2025
A March ransomware attack on Cobb County government systems has escalated after cybercriminals reportedly leaked confidential data on the dark web. According to cybersecurity expert Rick Hudson of Critical Path Security, the hackers have published disturbing materials including:
- 🧾 Social Security numbers
- 🪪 Driver’s license photos
- 🧬 Autopsy images
- 🧑🤝🧑 Next of kin contact details
- 🏠 Names, addresses, and other private records
The attackers are believed to be associated with Qilin, a Russian-speaking cybercriminal group known for multimillion-dollar ransomware demands and repeat extortion tactics.
💰 Ransom Demanded — Cobb County Refuses to Pay
Hackers reportedly demanded at least $1 million and set a Friday deadline for payment. In a public statement, Cobb County confirmed the ransom request but said they are refusing to pay, stating:
“We refuse to support or enable criminal enterprises… standing firm sends a clear message: bad actors will not profit from this crime.”
The County says they followed proper protocols, took systems offline quickly, and restored operations, but the scope of the data breach now appears larger than initially reported.
🛡️ What You Should Know:
- Cobb County is actively investigating and will notify additional impacted individuals.
- If your personal data is found to be at risk, the county will offer credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
- This breach may impact residents, public service data, and sensitive county records.
⚠️ How to Stay Safe:
- Check your credit report regularly: AnnualCreditReport.com
- Watch for suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls
- Consider freezing your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- Report identity theft: identitytheft.gov
📢 If you believe your data may have been exposed, contact Cobb County’s help line or follow their official updates for further instructions.
📰 Source: 11Alive News – Hackers demand ransom from Cobb County
