Cyberattack Hits North St. Paul Police Department; Data Breach Under Investigation

The North St. Paul City Council held an emergency meeting to address a recent cyberattack targeting the city’s police department, which may have compromised personal or health data through a business email compromise. The council unanimously approved hiring the McDonald Hopkins law firm and its cybersecurity branch, Arete, to conduct a forensic investigation and assess the breach’s full scope. The forensic analysis will cost at least $5,000, with the city hoping its insurance will cover expenses beyond the deductible. This cyberattack follows a similar incident in the nearby city of St. Paul, which has resulted in service disruptions and a state of emergency, with coordinated responses from local, state, and federal agencies including the Minnesota National Guard. While no direct link between the two attacks has been confirmed, both incidents highlight growing cybersecurity threats facing municipal governments. City officials have been cautious about sharing details, emphasizing the need to prevent further damage and safeguard public interests.