Overview
- The district says the network breach began Sept. 1 and reached 'Level 4,' a classification officials use for severe incidents that block access to core systems.
- The attack has locked district email, phones and computers and has prevented nurses from accessing student medical records needed for medications and allergy care.
- Federal, state and local teams, including the FBI and Massachusetts State Police, are leading the investigation and city officials have described the hackers as 'sophisticated' while alluding to a possible monetary demand.
- Schools will be closed through the week with a professional development day for teachers on Friday and plans to restore classrooms and district phone lines on Monday as the probe continues.
- Families have faced childcare and safety worries and some parents are taking privacy precautions; coverage notes this incident highlights how underfunded school IT systems are vulnerable and that a separate municipal cyber incident in Everett has focused regional attention on education and city cybersecurity.