Hamilton public school board shuts down its internet following ‘potential cyber incident’ | CBC News
Hamilton’s public school board has temporarily shut down internet access for the board and its schools while it investigates what it calls a “potential cyber incident.”
Email, phones, landlines and board websites have been shut down since 5 p.m. Thursday, according to an email the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) sent families Thursday.
All schools are still open Friday and “we have manual systems in place to ensure that educational activities continue smoothly and safely during this time,” HWDSB director of education Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini said in the email.
HWDSB does not know how long this disruption will be, Robinson Petrazzini said, adding the board will post updates on its Facebook and Instagram.
Robinson Petrazzini listed several other points:
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Schools have emergency phones to make calls if needed.
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You can reach HWDSB at 365-366-6770 and 365-366-9630, but expect delays.
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School transportation continues as usual. You can reach Hamilton-Wentworth Student Transportation Services at 905-523-2318
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Please send a signed note to school with your child if you need to inform their teacher about something related to attendance.
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Elementary and secondary remote learning is paused and students are asked to use TVO Learning tools.
Robinson Petrazzini did not say how the incident happened, or say whether anyone has accessed employee or student personal information.
In response to a question on it’s Facebook page, a HWDSB representative said: “At this time, we are investigating the situation and will provide an update to families when details are confirmed.”
HWDSB also hasn’t said if board officials contacted police about this.
CBC Hamilton has requested comment from the board. Friday is the start of the new semester for some HWDSB students.
Schools appear to be an attractive target for cyber criminals, experts say. In November, a cyberattack disrupted an Ontario French board, including several local schools.
