Richmond Public Schools went offline Wednesday after employees found messages on their laptops threatening permanent data loss if the district didn't those responsible within 72 hours for negotiation.
(TNS) — Richmond Public Schools on Wednesday morning experienced a cybersecurity incident that forced the shutdown of the district's Internet access and compromised phone and email service, Superintendent Jason Kamras said in a Wednesday afternoon statement.
Multiple RPS employees sent The Times-Dispatch images of on-screen messages that had appeared on school laptops Wednesday morning.
"We have gained access to your network, extracted sensitive data ... including personal, financial and operational information, and encrypted your critical files," the message read, giving RPS a 72-hour deadline to the allegedly responsible parties and have a "secure chat for negotiation."
"Failure to act will result in severe repercussions," the message read. "Do not attempt unauthorized recovery or involve third-party negotiators. Such actions will lead to irreversible consequences, including permanent data loss."
In his statement, Kamras said RPS had "temporarily taken Internet access offline" as a "precaution." School is "proceeding as scheduled," he added, noting that there is no threat to students or staff and that teachers are "adjusting lessons and activities as needed."
RPS is "actively working with outside cybersecurity experts and law enforcement to understand the full scope of the incident," Kamras said. "We will updates as we confirm information and communicate directly with anyone who needs to take action."
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