Hamilton County Data Breach Debate

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A reported data breach in Hamilton County is raising concerns, not only about the security of personal information but also about how the county handled the situation. 

Commissioners debated the issue today, leading to a heated discussion over a resolution that changes how risk management is handled.

Hamilton County authorities are investigating reports that sensitive financial data may have been compromised, but the focus at today’s commission meeting quickly shifted to how the situation was handled internally. 

The meeting centered on Amendment 425-5—a proposal to shift the county’s risk management department from the attorney’s office to human resources. Although the vote was divided, the measure ultimately passed.

Here is what Mayor Wamp had to say at the meeting:

“Why in the world, for 18 days, knowing that the clock was ticking, this would not have been reported… communicated with our office and to the rest of you. I cannot understand, but we only have 15 days.”

The controversy has deepened amid questions about the timeliness and transparency of the county’s response. 

Some county leaders expressed concerns over delays in reporting the issue, while others defended their office’s efforts to address the matter as promptly as possible. 

With strict deadlines in place for a response, decision-makers are now working to implement the resolution and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to protect sensitive data.

County Attorney Taylor also commented on the matter and had this to say:

“So the indication that the office has been dilly-dallying is grossly in error. We have been working on this in every phase, including trying to get other information since we knew of the magnitude of this, which was March the 5th.”

County leadership is emphasizing that while the breach itself is still under investigation, the immediate priority is reforming internal processes to prevent future lapses.

They have also stated that any individuals potentially affected by compromised information will be notified once more details are available.