PEABODY — Some residents recently received letters in the mail to let them know that the City experienced a cyber security incident last summer, and that their information may have been compromised. While some were concerned that these letters were scams, the City has expressed that these letters are authentic.
According to the City, “On July 7, 2025, Peabody became aware that certain computer network systems were inaccessible. We quickly took steps to secure our systems and launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party computer specialists, to confirm the full narrative and scope of the activity and to restore functionality to the affected systems. We learned that an unauthorized actor gained access to certain Peabody systems between June 13, 2025 through July 8, 2025. We then undertook a comprehensive review of the information in the files involved to identify what information could have been impacted. We recently completed this review, and while we do not have what was impacted, out (of) an abundance of caution, we are proceeding as if that information was accessed by the unauthorized actor.”
To the residents who were unsure whether the mail was legitimate, the City has emphasized that these letters were sent to all Peabody residents whose information was potentially impacted. The letters provide background information on the incident and list the resources and services available.
Anyone who did not receive a letter but believes their information may have been impacted can call the City’s toll-free dedicated assistance line, 844-518-7398, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Those phone operators can confirm who this security breach affects after receiving a name and address.
It is unknown how many Peabody residents are affected by this security issue, as the City is unable to share that information at that time. The types of information impacted varies by the person, and an explanation of what information may be at risk is included in the letter.
“It’s honestly sad and deeply frustrating that these kinds of cyber incidents have become a routine part of modern life,” Mayor Ted Bettencourt said. “I’m sure many of you have received notifications like this before — we all have — and it shouldn’t be this way. These cyber criminals are out there trying to wreak havoc on people who are simply going about their daily lives, and it’s unacceptable.”
The City says it is reviewing its existing policies and procedures and implementing additional administrative and technical safeguards to ensure a cyber security breach does not happen again.
“Peabody takes this incident and the security of information within its care very seriously,” the City wrote. “Upon learning of the incident, Peabody took immediate steps to investigate the activity. As an added precaution, Peabody is offering complimentary credit monitoring and identity restoration services, through IDX to impacted individuals. Details of this offer, and instructions on how to activate these services, are enclosed with the notice letter that was sent to potentially impacted individuals.”
