Hack of LA County emails exposes data of 750,000 people

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Nigerian national has been charged in connection with a hack of Los Angeles County emails that might have exposed personal data from more than 750,000 people who had business with county departments, officials said.

Authorities were searching for more suspects in the hack, which occurred in May when a phishing email deceived 108 county employees into providing their usernames and passwords.

Deputy District Attorney Donn Hoffman of the office's Cyber Crime Division said it can take time to investigate such cases as the attacker's digital footprint must be tracked, and because third-parties such as internet service providers often hold essential evidence, which must be obtained through search warrants.