New Haven Public Schools IT director fired after investigation into $6 million cyberattack

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut (WFSB) – New Haven Public Schools' IT director has been fired following an investigation into a cyberattack last year that cost the district $6 million.

Gildemar Herrera was fired from her position as IT director following an investigation into how a hacker stole $6 million from the district in June 2023.

“Ms. Herrera was terminated following a lengthy administrative investigation that was initiated in response to the evaluation of the New Haven Public Schools IT department by an outside cybersecurity firm hired following the email breach that resulted in significant financial loss to the school district. The school district concluded that Ms. Herrera failed, among other things, in her duties as IT director,” said Superintendent Madeline Negrón.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said the hacker obtained the money and information by gaining unauthorized access to the city's email accounts from June 1 to June 18, 2023.

Six times they managed to steal money through electronic transfers.

A forensic investigation into the cyberattack also found that the personal information of hundreds of people may have been compromised.

“Since the business email attack, the City of New Haven and New Haven Public Schools have taken many steps to strengthen our systems. These actions include hiring a Chief Technology Officer to strengthen collaboration between the City, NHPS and other IT functions and improving our cybersecurity posture. In addition, the City has engaged outside experts who have reviewed our cybersecurity and financial procedures and are working with the City and NHPS to implement these improvements – and we will remain vigilant and continue to improve our systems to reduce the likelihood of an incident like this happening again,” said Mayor Elicker.

With the help of the police, the city was able to recover about $5.1 million of the $6 million stolen.

The investigation is still ongoing.

All rights reserved.