The Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office in New Jersey has disclosed a data breach involving unauthorized access to its computer network and the potential exposure of sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license details.
In a notification issued November 6, 2026, the prosecutor’s office said investigators identified unauthorized network activity between July 15 and July 22.
- The Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office in New Jersey confirmed unauthorized access to its computer network between July 15 and July 22, 2026.
- Potentially compromised information includes names, Social Security numbers and driver’s license or state-issued identification numbers.
- The office discovered network disruption in August, engaged cybersecurity specialists and established a dedicated assistance line for affected individuals.
The office first received alerts about a network disruption around August 10 and launched an investigation with external cybersecurity specialists.
Investigators determined that certain files containing personal information had been accessed and may have been acquired by an unauthorized individual.
The prosecutor’s office has not disclosed how many people were affected or identified those responsible.
What information was exposed in the Sussex County data breach?
According to the notification, the potentially compromised records contained several categories of personal information.
The specific information varied by individual but included:
- First and last names
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- State-issued identification card numbers
The prosecutor’s office confirmed that unauthorized access occurred but did not establish whether all accessed information was acquired.
Officials also did not report any confirmed fraudulent use of the exposed information. The number of potentially affected individuals remains undisclosed.
Unauthorized network access occurred in July 2026
The investigation established that the unauthorized activity took place during a seven-day period, from July 15 through July 22, 2026. The prosecutor’s office became aware of a network disruption around August 10.
External cybersecurity specialists were engaged to investigate the incident and determine whether sensitive records had been compromised. The investigation identified files containing personal information that had been accessed and potentially obtained.
Following the incident, the office implemented measures to secure its computer systems and strengthen existing security controls.
The prosecutor’s office also notified state and federal law enforcement agencies, the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
The public notice did not explain how the unauthorized individual gained access or provide further technical details. Officials confirmed that the notification process had not been delayed by law enforcement.
What should affected individuals do?
The prosecutor’s office advised individuals to monitor financial accounts, credit reports and other records for suspicious activity.
People who discover unfamiliar accounts, unauthorized transactions or inaccurate information should contact the relevant financial institution or service provider.
Consumers can obtain free credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion through AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 877-322-8228.
The office also recommended considering fraud alerts and credit freezes. A fraud alert notifies potential lenders that an individual may be at risk of identity theft and encourages additional identity verification before new credit is approved.
An initial fraud alert lasts one year and is available without charge. A credit freeze restricts access to a consumer’s credit report, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to open new credit accounts.
Federal law prohibits credit reporting agencies from charging consumers to place or remove a credit freeze. A freeze may, however, delay legitimate applications for credit cards, loans and other financial products until it is lifted.
Credit bureau and identity theft assistance
Individuals seeking additional protection can contact the three major credit reporting agencies:
- Equifax: 888-298-0045
- Experian: 888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 800-680-7289
Suspected identity theft can be reported to local law enforcement, the New Jersey Attorney General’s office or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC accepts identity theft complaints through its online reporting service and at 877-438-4338.
Consumers also have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, including access to their credit information and the ability to dispute inaccurate or incomplete records.
Information that cannot be verified may be subject to correction or removal.
Sussex County establishes dedicated data breach helpline
The Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office has established a call center to assist individuals with questions about the incident.
Data breach assistance:
- Telephone: 888-269-1448
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time
The office has not released an estimate of the total number of people potentially affected.
The investigation confirmed unauthorized access to network files containing personal information, but the available notice does not establish whether the information was subsequently misused.
