Hernando County officials disclosed a data breach affecting residents. Unusual activity was detected on the county’s network around March 30, 2024, prompting immediate action to secure systems and begin an investigation with law enforcement and third-party specialists. The breach may have exposed sensitive data between March 18 and March 30, 2024.
The breach may have exposed names, Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses or state IDs, and passport numbers. Hernando County is offering affected residents credit monitoring and identity protection. Those seeking assistance can call 833-792-0486 or contact the county by mail.
Hernando County advises residents to monitor credit reports and account statements for unauthorized activity. Individuals are entitled to one free credit report per year from each major credit bureau. The county guides ordering reports, placing fraud alerts or credit freezes, and contacting TransUnion, Experian, Equifax, the FTC, or the state Attorney General for further protection.
Hernando County notes that placing or lifting a credit freeze is free under federal law. Credit freezes prevent unauthorized approval of credit, loans, or services, helping protect residents from identity theft.
The FTC provides educational resources for those affected by the breach. Individuals should report known or suspected identity theft to law enforcement, the state Attorney General, and the FTC to help protect their personal information.
