First Baptist Church Data Breach Lawsuit

In July 2025, First Baptist Church of Hammond experienced a cybersecurity incident that resulted in the unauthorized access of files stored on its computer network. The church has since released a statement to update its community on the ongoing situation and provide guidance for individuals whose personal information may have been compromised.

First Baptist Church Data Breach Details

In mid-July 2025, an unknown cyber actor gained access to the First Baptist Church’s computer network. This individual or group used a virus to lock files stored on certain systems within the church’s network, rendering them inaccessible. In response to the breach, the church took immediate action by disconnecting its network to secure the systems and initiate recovery efforts.

Currently, the investigation is ongoing, and technical teams are working to identify the full scope of the event. However, due to the virus locking critical files, the process of investigating and recovering data is complex and may take time. As of now, there is no clear estimate for when the investigation will be completed, but church staff are committed to providing further updates as soon as more information becomes available. The church is urging its community to be patient and to respect the integrity of the investigative process.

What Information Was Potentially Exposed

Although the investigation is still in its early stages, the church has discovered that certain sensitive data was copied during the breach. Files containing personal information related to staff and missionaries were accessed. This data includes government identifiers such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and passport details.

Additionally, some health-related information for individuals who are self-funded health plan participants has been affected. This may include personal information such as names, addresses, contact details, unique healthcare identifiers, dates of birth, and health-related information relevant to claims processing.

At this stage, there is no indication that congregation members’ personal information has been impacted. The church typically does not store such data unless the individuals are also staff, missionaries, or volunteers. However, the church will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available, especially regarding any potential involvement of volunteer or other community member data.

Next Steps for Affected Individuals

If your personal information has been breached, it’s important to take immediate and proactive steps to minimize the potential impact and protect yourself from identity theft or fraud. Here are some general actions that you should consider taking:

• Monitor Credit Reports: Check your credit reports regularly for suspicious activity.

• Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze: Set up a fraud alert or freeze your credit to prevent unauthorized access.

• Monitor Financial Accounts: Review bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar transactions.

• Watch for Phishing Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal information.

• Change Passwords: Update passwords for online accounts and use strong, unique ones.

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to online accounts.

• Review Health and Insurance Info: Check for fraudulent charges if health data was exposed.

Legal Assistance for Victims of Identity Theft and Data Breaches