Waxhaw, NC Hit by Ransomware: 45K Residents' Data Stolen
Waxhaw, a town in Union County, North Carolina, with a population of around 71,000, has fallen victim to a ransomware attack. The incident, confirmed on September 12, involved the Qilin ransomware gang, which claimed to have stolen over 600GB of sensitive data.
The cyberattack was first detected on May 18, leading the county government to begin sending breach notifications to 45,487 residents and employees. The stolen information is extensive, including names, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, fingerprint data, medical information, and passport numbers. Remarkably, this is not an isolated incident. Union County, Ohio, also experienced a ransomware attack recently, with hackers stealing sensitive data. Furthermore, Lorain County, Ohio, and the state government of Maryland have both suffered cyberattacks this year, leading to service disruptions and data leaks. These incidents are part of a growing trend, with dozens of ransomware attacks on state, county, and city governments reported in 2025 alone.
While no ransom has been paid, and no ransomware gang has taken credit for the Union County attack, the stolen information remains a significant concern. Authorities are urging residents to monitor their credit reports and be vigilant against potential identity theft. As cyberattacks on government entities continue to rise, officials are being urged to strengthen their cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data.
Read also:
- Sonatype Streamlines Cross-Platform App Installations with Docker and Chef
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport Struggles After Cyberattack Disrupts IT Systems
- Expanded Criticism of Human Rights Protections - Specialists Criticize Russia's Intensified Crackdown on Virtual Private Networks and Encrypted Applications
- Cyber Attack Nets $14 Million from WOO X Across Four Different Blockchains
