Ransomware gang Qilin today claimed responsibility for a November 2024 cyber attack against North Platte Natural Resources District in Nebraska.
The district first announced it was hit by a cyber attack on November 27, 2024. Although it didn’t disclose what data was compromised, it does recommend victims take precautions to protect their identities and Social Security numbers from abuse.
NPRND has not verified Qilin’s claim. We do not know what data was compromised, if NPNRD paid a ransom, or how attackers compromised the district’s network. Comparitech contacted NPNRD for comment and will update this article if it replies.
“Please be advised that on or about November 27, 2024, the North Platte Natural Resources District’s computer systems were the target of an information security breach,” says a notice on the NPNRD’s website. “At this time, we have no evidence that your data has been misused, however, it is important we notify you so that you can take any precautions.”
Who is Qilin?
Qilin is a ransomware group that began claiming responsibility for attacks in late 2022. Also known as Agenda, Qilin is a Russia-based hacking group that mainly targets victims through phishing emails to spread its ransomware. It launched in August 2022 and runs a ransomware-as-a-service business in which affiliates pay to use Qilin’s malware to launch attacks and collect ransoms.
Qilin has claimed responsibility for 58 confirmed ransomware attacks since it began, 12 of which were against government entities. They include attacks on the city of West Haven, CT; the Palau Ministry of Health and Human Services; the Cleveland, OH Municipal Court; and the town of Bedford, MA.
In 2025 so far, Qilin has claimed 12 confirmed ransomware attacks, plus another 128 unconfirmed claims that haven’t been acknowledged by the targeted organizations.
Ransomware attacks on US government
Comparitech logged 92 confirmed ransomware attacks against US government entities in 2024, and 14 in 2025.
Other recent such attacks include those on Gooding County, ID and the State Bar of Texas.
Another 22 claims in 2025 have yet to be confirmed, including ransomware gang Inc’s attack on Chesterfield Township, in which the group says it stole 49 GB of data and disrupted internet and email access.
Ransomware gang Inc yesterday claimed responsibility for an attack against the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office, though it’s not clear whether it’s referring to the Cleburne County in Alabama or Arkansas.
Ransomware attacks on US government agencies and departments can both steal data and lock down computer systems. The attacker then demands a ransom to delete the stolen data and in exchange for a key to recover infected systems. If the target doesn’t pay, it could take weeks or even months to restore systems, and people whose data was stolen are put at greater risk of fraud. Ransomware can disrupt everything from communications to billing, payroll, and online services.
About the North Platte Natural Resources District
The North Platte Natural Resources District is one of 23 such districts in Nebraska responsible for protecting and maintaining natural resources. It’s responsible for water quality, forestry, range management, soil erosion, and more. The District is located on the western border of the Nebraska panhandle. It consists of more than 3 million acres, 45,000 people and 18 communities, according to the District’s website.
