San Bernardino County Sheriff provides update on Data Breach

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department recently shared additional details regarding a data breach that occurred earlier this year.

A statement posted on the Sheriff’s Department website stated “The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has become aware of a data security incident that may have impacted certain protected personal information and protected health information. We take the privacy of information in our care seriously, and while we have no evidence to suggest that any information has been misused, in an abundance of caution, we are providing the information about the incident, our response, and steps that individuals can take to protect their information.”

The attack happened around April 7, 2023 according to department. Upon discovered of unauthorized activity within its computer systems, the Sheriff’s Department immediately secured the network and engaged a third-party team of forensic investigators to determine the full nature and scope of the incident, including what type of information may have been improperly accessed.

The department found out that hackers had infiltrated the computers, and as a result, the county ended up paying a $1.1 million ransom to the hackers.

While there is no evidence to suggest that any information has been misused, the department is notifying the public as required by federal and state law.

In the meantime, the Sheriff’s Department is recommending that individuals remain vigilant in regularly reviewing and monitoring their account statements, credit history, and explanation of benefits forms to prevent identity theft and fraud.

For questions or concerns regarding this matter, contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department at 844-665-7635, or write us at 655 East Third Street, San Bernardino, California 92415-0061.

This investigation remains ongoing.