Ransomware attack responsible for shutdown affecting Jackson, Hillsdale schools - mlive.com
Ransomware attack responsible for shutdown affecting Jackson, Hillsdale schools
Updated: Nov. 14, 2022, 3:07 p.m.|Published: Nov. 14, 2022, 1:59 p.m.
Ann Arbor Public Schools IT Department works hard to keep remote learning online
A ransomware incident was the cause of a system shutdown initiated by the Jackson County Intermediate School District, causing schools in Jackson and Hillsdale counties to cancel classes Monday, Nov. 14.
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By Martin Slagter | [email protected]
JACKSON, MI - Jackson County Intermediate School District officials took network systems offline after technology staff determined suspicious activity to be the result of a “ransomware incident.”
Public school districts in both counties canceled classes Monday, Nov. 14, with the system outage impacting a wide range of building operations including but not limited to heating, telephones and classroom technology.
Related: School canceled in Jackson, Hillsdale counties Monday, Nov. 14 due to system outage
Jackson County Intermediate School District Superintendent Kevin Oxley confirmed in a statement that the ransomware attack occurring during the weekend of Nov. 12-13 was the reason the district proactively took systems offline in order to contain the incident.
The district has engaged external cybersecurity advisers to assist in the safe restoration of systems and to investigate, Oxley said. The JCISD has also contacted law enforcement, Oxley said, but no further details could be provided
“Given the system disruption to classroom technology, we made the difficult decision to close schools today,” Oxley said Monday afternoon. “Our teams are working around the clock to bring systems back up in a safe and secure manner.”
Ransomware is a form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Malicious actors then demand ransom in exchange for decryption.
A decision on whether the schools will have classes on Tuesday is expected later Monday, Oxley said. Those who have school-issued devices should refrain from using them for the time being, he said.
Public schools in Jackson and Hillsdale counties belong to a technology consortium that shares services, including server space. Oxley said the servers are not located on a school district site.
“Everything’s connected into the network, and basically, if it plugs in a wall it’s pretty much connected into a network,” Oxley said. “It’s everything from HVAC systems to phones. When you don’t have phones and and dependable HVAC, you really can’t have school.”
Updated: Nov. 14, 2022, 3:07 p.m.|Published: Nov. 14, 2022, 1:59 p.m.
Ann Arbor Public Schools IT Department works hard to keep remote learning online
A ransomware incident was the cause of a system shutdown initiated by the Jackson County Intermediate School District, causing schools in Jackson and Hillsdale counties to cancel classes Monday, Nov. 14.
Signed-in readers now can bookmark stories to read later.
NEW!
167
shares
By Martin Slagter | [email protected]
JACKSON, MI - Jackson County Intermediate School District officials took network systems offline after technology staff determined suspicious activity to be the result of a “ransomware incident.”
Public school districts in both counties canceled classes Monday, Nov. 14, with the system outage impacting a wide range of building operations including but not limited to heating, telephones and classroom technology.
Related: School canceled in Jackson, Hillsdale counties Monday, Nov. 14 due to system outage
Jackson County Intermediate School District Superintendent Kevin Oxley confirmed in a statement that the ransomware attack occurring during the weekend of Nov. 12-13 was the reason the district proactively took systems offline in order to contain the incident.
The district has engaged external cybersecurity advisers to assist in the safe restoration of systems and to investigate, Oxley said. The JCISD has also contacted law enforcement, Oxley said, but no further details could be provided
“Given the system disruption to classroom technology, we made the difficult decision to close schools today,” Oxley said Monday afternoon. “Our teams are working around the clock to bring systems back up in a safe and secure manner.”
Ransomware is a form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Malicious actors then demand ransom in exchange for decryption.
A decision on whether the schools will have classes on Tuesday is expected later Monday, Oxley said. Those who have school-issued devices should refrain from using them for the time being, he said.
Public schools in Jackson and Hillsdale counties belong to a technology consortium that shares services, including server space. Oxley said the servers are not located on a school district site.
“Everything’s connected into the network, and basically, if it plugs in a wall it’s pretty much connected into a network,” Oxley said. “It’s everything from HVAC systems to phones. When you don’t have phones and and dependable HVAC, you really can’t have school.”
