Using computer to commit a crime in darkness.

Attorney general says OAG operations recovering after cyber attack encrypted files

HARRISBURG, PA – Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Friday that the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG) has made “substantial progress” in restoring services following a cyber incident earlier this month that temporarily knocked out its servers.

According to Sunday, the disruption was caused when an outside actor encrypted agency files in an effort to force a ransom payment. The OAG has not paid any money, and the attack remains under active investigation with assistance from other agencies. Officials declined to release further details while the probe continues.

The incident temporarily disrupted communications, but Sunday said the majority of OAG’s approximately 1,200 staff across 17 offices are now back online with email access. The main phone line and website are also operational, allowing staff to continue their work through alternative channels where necessary.

Courts have issued limited extensions in some criminal and civil matters in response to the disruption. However, officials stressed they do not expect prosecutions, investigations, or civil cases to be negatively affected as a result of the cyber incident.

Sunday added that the OAG will continue to provide public updates and, if needed, notify individuals affected by the breach. He also said the office is working to help other state agencies strengthen defenses against similar attacks.

Key Points

A cyber attack encrypted Pennsylvania OAG files in an attempt to force a ransom payment.
The office has restored email, phones, and its website for most staff, who continue daily duties.
Officials say prosecutions and civil cases should not be impacted by the disruption.

A cyber strike on the state’s top law office has slowed operations but not stopped them.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.