Gadsden Independent School District in Sunland Park, New Mexico, experienced a ransomware attack on August 13, 2024, but confirmed that student and employee data were not affected. The attack occurred around 2 p.m., prompting the district to take immediate actions to secure all systems. Teachers and staff received a text message instructing them to power down and disconnect from the network as a precautionary measure to protect data and maintain the integrity of the network.
The district emphasized its commitment to safeguarding student data and assured the community that it took the necessary steps to mitigate the impact of the incident. Student Chromebooks were not impacted by the attack, ensuring that students’ devices and access remained secure. The district communicated that students would likely regain access to the network by August 14, minimizing disruptions to learning.
In addition to securing the network, the district’s IT team worked continuously to address the issue and restore all affected services. Updates were provided to the community to keep them informed of the district’s progress and commitment to a swift recovery. Throughout the incident, the district maintained clear communication with teachers, staff, and families, focusing on transparency and security.
Gadsden Independent School District’s response reflects a commitment to maintaining data privacy and network security. While the attack posed operational challenges, the district’s prompt response and precautions safeguarded critical information. Moving forward, the district plans to continue enhancing its cybersecurity measures and will provide further updates as the situation progresses.
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