The Hampton County School District in South Carolina has become the target of a cyber attack, prompting swift action from law enforcement. Following an almost-successful attempt last week, the district revealed that employees received emails appearing to be from the chief financial officer, directing wire transfers for worker salary and benefits reimbursement. Despite the emails being from an outside cyber thief using detailed information obtained improperly, employees complied, highlighting the sophistication of the scam.
Upon discovering the scam, the district promptly contacted local law enforcement and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), initiating a collaborative effort to address the situation. Thanks to the diligent efforts of these agencies, the attempted wire transfer was halted, and the district expects to fully recover the funds. In response to the incident, the district plans to implement enhanced cybersecurity training for employees overseeing financial and student records, as well as explore consultant services to review vendor processes and internal controls.
The joint statement issued by the district and the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to combat cyber threats and protect sensitive data. The incident underscores the need for continuous vigilance and robust cybersecurity protocols within educational institutions, particularly as cybercriminals employ increasingly sophisticated tactics. By fortifying cybersecurity measures and educating staff, the Hampton County School District aims to mitigate future risks and safeguard against potential financial losses and data breaches.
