On January 18, 2025, the Harrison County Board of Education in West Virginia experienced a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to its computer systems. The school board promptly discovered the attack and took immediate action to prevent further damage by temporarily disabling the affected network over the holiday weekend. This proactive response aimed to limit the scope of the attack and maintain system integrity while the investigation was underway.
The school authorities confirmed they had engaged external cybersecurity experts to assess the full extent of the breach. These experts were enlisted to ensure the systems’ security and to address any risks that could impact the organization’s operations moving forward.
The involvement of cybersecurity professionals underscores the seriousness of the incident and the school’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment.
Though the specific details of the compromised systems have not been disclosed, the Harrison County Board of Education assured the public they would provide updates as more information becomes available. The school board expressed appreciation for the community’s understanding, acknowledging that many might have concerns and questions regarding the breach. Their statement emphasized transparency and the importance of keeping the public informed as the investigation progressed.
This incident highlights the ongoing trend of cybersecurity challenges facing educational institutions, similar to attacks experienced by other districts such as Highline Public Schools and the Alabama State Department of Education. In response to these increasing threats, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) launched the School Safety Task Force in January 2025. This initiative focuses on addressing the unique cybersecurity challenges schools face, offering resources, guidance, and best practices to safeguard educational environments.
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