The Fall River Public Schools network was recently breached by hackers, prompting an investigation by cybersecurity experts and law enforcement. The attack was discovered on a Monday, with many students unable to access the school’s wireless network or their Chromebooks. In a statement, Superintendent Tracy Curley assured parents that no personal data of students or staff had been compromised, but if that changes, they would notify those affected. Third-party cybersecurity experts are actively involved in resolving the situation, while law enforcement works to identify the perpetrators.
The breach has had a significant impact on day-to-day school activities, especially the upcoming MCAS testing, which was scheduled for the following day.
The test schedule has been altered, and attendance calls for absent students were paused. However, the school district’s phone lines remain operational, ensuring that communication continues. Due to the lack of internet access, students and staff across the district are facing disruptions, which has left many unsure about the resolution timeline for the hack.
The attack on Fall River is part of a larger pattern of cyberattacks targeting local organizations in the region. In 2013, Swansea police were victims of a ransomware attack that encrypted their files, and in 2019, New Bedford had to deal with a major ransomware incident. Other local institutions, such as Somerset Berkley Regional High School, Newport schools, and Brockton police, have also experienced similar cyberattacks in recent years, often involving ransom demands in cryptocurrency.
These incidents demonstrate the growing frequency and severity of cyberattacks on public institutions.
Ransomware attacks, where hackers demand ransom in exchange for access to encrypted data, are becoming increasingly common. In many cases, these attacks lead to significant disruptions, requiring organizations to work with tech support and law enforcement to recover their data. Fall River, like many other cities and institutions, faces the challenge of navigating these complex situations. The school district continues to cooperate with experts and authorities to address the breach and minimize the impact on students and staff.
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