Attleboro, Massachusetts IT systems hit in suspected ransomware attack

The City of Attleboro, Massachusetts reports a cyberattack on November 20, 2025, that crippled information technology systems in the municipality, forcing the city of approximately 50,000 residents to revert to manual, paper-based procedures. 

City officials confirmed they are investigating the cybersecurity incident that has knocked offline city and police phone lines, as well as email services for all city employees and departments. Police Chief Kyle Heagney stated the incident could be indicative of a ransomware attack, but no specific threats have been received and no ransomware gang has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack. 

City leaders are working with cybersecurity specialists, the city's insurance provider, and state and federal partners including cybersecurity experts and federal agencies to identify the cause of the disruption and begin restoring services. Mayor Cathleen DeSimone emphasized that the city's priority is maintaining emergency services and keeping the public informed, stating "We are taking direct steps to manage this incident and will continue regular updates as work continues." The city's 911 emergency services continue to function without interruption, and all public safety phone lines and radio systems are working normally. 

City officials have not disclosed whether any data was accessed, stolen, or encrypted during the incident.

The city has referred to the situation only as a "cybersecurity incident" and "network issues" while the investigation continues, and officials stated they will post further updates once new information becomes available. Residents are being told to expect delays and exercise patience while staff work through temporary or paper-based procedures. No timeline for restoring phones and email has been provided.