West Clermont reports cyberattack that resulted in net damage of $1.7 million

CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio – The West Clermont Local School District lost about $1.7 million in a cyberattack late last year, the district said in a news release.

District officials said that while no personal information or student records were compromised, someone diverted several electronic payments from the Automated Clearing House to bank accounts not associated with the district in December 2023.

When West Clermont discovered the cyberattack, the district said it contacted authorities and filed a claim with its insurance carrier to recover approximately $1.7 million in losses.

“As the community knows, the district places a high value on transparency,” the district said. “This is an ongoing, open investigation; we have not been able to communicate at this time. The district has complied with law enforcement to protect the integrity of the case.”

The district said its IT staff scanned all of the district’s computer networks and found no malicious or unauthorized access. Since the attack, IT has added additional authentication and payment protocols and has also stopped ACH payments to outside vendors.

“While this loss is painful and upsetting, it does not impact the recent announcement to extend all anticipated requests for new operating funds through 2026,” the district said. “The district does not plan to make any cuts to programs, services or staff.”