Hernando County Notifies Residents of 2024 Data Incident, Offers Support

Hernando County announced on December 20, 2025 that an investigation found unusual activity on the county network in March 2024, and that limited information maintained by the county may have been accessed by an unauthorized actor. County officials became aware of the activity on or around March 30, 2024, and the inquiry determined that the potential exposure occurred between March 18, 2024 and March 30, 2024.

The types of information that may have been involved vary by person, and may include name, Social Security number, driver's license or other state identification number, and passport number. Upon discovery, the county secured the network, remediated the incident, notified law enforcement, and engaged third party specialists to investigate and contain the situation.

To help potentially affected individuals, Hernando County is providing access to credit monitoring and identity protection services. Residents who believe they may be impacted can call a dedicated phone line at 833-792-0486 between 8 AM to 8 PM ET, excluding major U.S. holidays, for questions and enrollment. Individuals may also write to Hernando County at 20 N. Main Suite #460, Brooksville, FL 34601 for further assistance.

Local residents should remain vigilant for signs of identity theft and fraud. Review your credit reports, account statements, and explanation of benefits documents for unfamiliar activity. The county reminder includes guidance on obtaining free annual credit reports from the three major bureaus, placing fraud alerts or credit freezes, and contacting federal and state authorities for additional assistance. The notice lists contact information for TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, and refers residents to identitytheft.gov for a step by step plan on responding to identity theft.

This incident underscores the growing cyber risk facing local governments and the interconnections between municipal services and personal data. For Hernando County residents, the immediate impact is practical and personal. Taking the county offered protections, monitoring accounts closely, and following the recommended steps will help reduce the risk of long term harm and financial disruption.