A major data breach in Sheboygan, Wisconsin has potentially exposed the personal information of almost 68,000 Americans. The city discovered the breach in late October 2024, but only confirmed the extent of the damage in May 2025.
What Happened?
The city’s network experienced a “encryption event” – basically, a cyberattack – that disrupted their systems. A subsequent investigation revealed that unauthorized access may have occurred, leading to the potential theft of sensitive data.
What Information Was Exposed?
The compromised information may include:
- Names
- Dates of birth
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license or state ID numbers
- License plate or vehicle ID numbers
What’s Being Done?
The city has sent notification letters to the affected individuals and is offering free identity protection services to those whose Social Security numbers were potentially stolen. They’re also implementing stronger security measures to prevent future breaches.
The Bottom Line
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for all organizations, especially those holding sensitive personal data. Those affected should closely monitor their credit reports and take steps to protect themselves from potential identity theft.
