Pearland ISD says hackers in recent computer breach may contact, harass parents
Pearland ISD says hackers in recent computer breach may contact, harass parents
Yvette Orozco
,
Staff writer
Nov. 17, 2022
Updated: Nov. 18, 2022 8:01 a.m.
Comments
Pearland ISD Superintendent Larry Berger, shown in the spring when he was a finalist for his post, has alerted the community that "unauthorized actors" recently accessed the district's computer system.
Pearland ISD Superintendent Larry Berger, shown in the spring when he was a finalist for his post, has alerted the community that "unauthorized actors" recently accessed the district's computer system.
Courtesy Pearland ISD
Pearland ISD is alerting parents and others associated with the district that parties responsible for a recent breach of its computer system may try to contact them.
In a video statement released on the district’s website, Superintendent Larry Berger said that an ongoing investigation shows no evidence so far that any sensitive information had been accessed by anyone outside of the district.
However, he said the district is alerting the community that "unauthorized actors" who caused the problem may try to contact residents regarding the matter.
"During the investigation, we have learned the actors may attempt to contact Pearland ISD’s community as a form of harassment," Berger said. “Should you be contacted by any unknown individual who refers to this incident, please do not engage.
"A forensic investigation is currently being conducted by our cybersecurity firm to determine if any sensitive data was accessed by the unauthorized actors (who accessed the district's system)," he said.
“I want to assure you that we are committed to protecting our community,” Berger said.
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When asked for additional information Thursday afternoon, the district only referred to a media statement that echoed the information in Berger's video.
The breach was detected Nov. 8 when the district noticed what it described as “unusual activity” within its computer network that were affecting operations including Skyward, a system that provides communication access to families and students.
Through an investigation by an independent cybersecurity firm, the district confirmed that parties had gained access into its system to disrupt daily operations.
According to Berger, the district will provide updates to parents and students and is asking parents to contact Gina Guzzetta at [email protected] with any questions.
Yvette Orozco
,
Staff writer
Nov. 17, 2022
Updated: Nov. 18, 2022 8:01 a.m.
Comments
Pearland ISD Superintendent Larry Berger, shown in the spring when he was a finalist for his post, has alerted the community that "unauthorized actors" recently accessed the district's computer system.
Pearland ISD Superintendent Larry Berger, shown in the spring when he was a finalist for his post, has alerted the community that "unauthorized actors" recently accessed the district's computer system.
Courtesy Pearland ISD
Pearland ISD is alerting parents and others associated with the district that parties responsible for a recent breach of its computer system may try to contact them.
In a video statement released on the district’s website, Superintendent Larry Berger said that an ongoing investigation shows no evidence so far that any sensitive information had been accessed by anyone outside of the district.
However, he said the district is alerting the community that "unauthorized actors" who caused the problem may try to contact residents regarding the matter.
"During the investigation, we have learned the actors may attempt to contact Pearland ISD’s community as a form of harassment," Berger said. “Should you be contacted by any unknown individual who refers to this incident, please do not engage.
"A forensic investigation is currently being conducted by our cybersecurity firm to determine if any sensitive data was accessed by the unauthorized actors (who accessed the district's system)," he said.
“I want to assure you that we are committed to protecting our community,” Berger said.
Pearland Insider: Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on Pearland news
When asked for additional information Thursday afternoon, the district only referred to a media statement that echoed the information in Berger's video.
The breach was detected Nov. 8 when the district noticed what it described as “unusual activity” within its computer network that were affecting operations including Skyward, a system that provides communication access to families and students.
Through an investigation by an independent cybersecurity firm, the district confirmed that parties had gained access into its system to disrupt daily operations.
According to Berger, the district will provide updates to parents and students and is asking parents to contact Gina Guzzetta at [email protected] with any questions.
