Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
- The Ohio School Boards Association experienced a cyber attack on their computer network, resulting in website and email downtime.
- No sensitive information such as social security numbers or financial data was stored, but communication with members is currently challenging.
The Ohio School Boards Association recently fell victim to a cyber attack on their computer network, leading to website and email downtime. The attack occurred on Thursday, with the organization’s website and email services still inaccessible as of Friday. Although the association stated that they do not typically store sensitive information like social security numbers or financial data, they are facing difficulties in communicating with their 3,500 members and 700 school districts across the state.
Dr. Kathy McFarland, CEO of the Ohio School Board Association, reported that the breach was detected at 12:49 p.m. on Thursday, leading to immediate action to inform all school board members about the incident. The organization, which has 50 employees, offers various resources and services to school districts, including transportation assistance, advocacy, and legal guidance on issues like Title IX. Despite the disruption, OSBA assured their members that there is currently no evidence to suggest that any sensitive data has been compromised.
As the attack comes at a critical time for the association with the start of the school year approaching, they are working with external IT forensic experts to investigate the incident and address the ongoing challenges. While there have been no ransom demands reported, OSBA remains focused on restoring their network and ensuring the security of their systems moving forward.
In conclusion, the cyber attack on the Ohio School Boards Association highlights the increasing threats faced by organizations in the digital age and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and maintain critical operations.
