Cybersecurity Incident Forces Marysville Schools in Ohio to Close
On Saturday, October 27, 2024, Marysville Exempted Village School District (MEVSD) in Marysville, Ohio, experienced a significant cybersecurity incident that disrupted essential district operations, including internet, phone, and email systems. The incident forced the district to close all schools and cancel Monday’s classes due to compromised communication and safety protocols. By Sunday evening, district officials had begun coordinating with federal law enforcement and third-party IT specialists to assess the incident's extent, while emphasizing that the privacy and security of student and staff information are top priorities. MEVSD reopened on Tuesday, October 29, under modified operational plans, with continued limited access to email and phones for staff and teachers.
Marysville’s cybersecurity incident is part of a broader trend of attacks targeting local institutions with limited cybersecurity defenses and valuable data. Similar attacks in Ohio, including recent breaches affecting Columbus and the Ohio School Boards Association, have raised concerns among parents and cybersecurity professionals alike. MEVSD assured the community of ongoing efforts to restore full functionality and stated that it would notify individuals if any sensitive information was found compromised. As investigations continue, district officials committed to providing updates to the community and prioritizing a secure environment for students and staff.