Ohio Lottery discloses cybersecurity incident potentially affecting customers and retailer data

The Ohio Lottery has recently revealed a cybersecurity incident that may have exposed customer and retailer financial credit information to an "unauthorized third party." Although the lottery has not confirmed the breach of sensitive data, cautionary measures have been advised.

In an official statement, the Ohio Lottery encourages customers and retailers who participated in lottery activities to diligently monitor their credit reports and bank statements. The lottery emphasizes that, as the cybersecurity investigation unfolds, it is committed to taking all necessary steps, including offering credit monitoring services if consumer data is found to be compromised. Affected individuals will be promptly notified in accordance with applicable laws.

The lottery clarified that the incident did not compromise any Ohio Lottery games or the underlying technology systems. Purchasing tickets remains secure, and winners of amounts exceeding $599 can claim their prizes either by mailing winning tickets to the Ohio Lottery Central Office in Cleveland or using the Ohio Lottery mobile app.

The Ohio Lottery assures the public that efforts are underway to restore all cashing options shortly. Consumers are reminded that they have a 180-day window to claim prizes from the drawing date or the scheduled closure date of scratch-off games. For the latest updates on the security threat, concerned parties are directed to visit the Ohio Lottery’s dedicated page at ohiolottery.com/security.