ROCKFORD, Mich. — Rockford Public Schools shut down its computer network Wednesday after receiving a note saying they were the victims of a ransomware attack.
The district's network and phones were shut down to prevent any spread of the ransomware on Wednesday. On Thursday, technology has mostly been restored. Phones are now working.
Superintendent Steve Matthews said students are safe as the district's security systems still work.
The superintendent said that shortly after 6:30 a.m., he was given a note printed from a school printer saying they were victims of a ransomware attack.
The district shut down the network and phone system. The FBI has been contacted and is working to resolve the situation. The district is also working with a private technology security firm to assess the impact.
He said they currently do not know what data may have been accessed, but they do believe that this was limited in scope due to only a select few printers receiving the note.
"This is a disruption to the technology that we have in the district. But it's really not a disruption to what's going on in the school day. We're trying to continue to have school continuing to have teachers interact with students in a positive way. And we feel that we'll be able to continue that throughout the week," Matthews said.
The superintendent said they are still waiting on a timeline to know when wifi and phone systems will be restored but says classes will continue the old-fashioned way with books and pencils.
There are currently no plans for classes to be canceled.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.