Jerome Schools Closed Due to Ransomware Attack on District Networks

• •Jerome schools closed for two days due to a ransomware attack.
• •The attack compromised essential systems but most student data is believed safe.
• •The district is working with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement for recovery.

Jerome schools in Idaho were closed on Monday and Tuesday following a ransomware attack that targeted district networks over the weekend. Superintendent Brent Johnson reported that the attack began with internal alerts and teacher communications on Saturday morning. The IT team is working to restore the network and assess the extent of compromised information, although Johnson believes most student data remains secure. The hackers gained control of essential internet-connected systems, prompting the closure to ensure safety. The district is collaborating with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement to investigate the incident. While Johnson expressed a desire to prosecute the attackers, he acknowledged the delicate situation regarding ransom demands. Staff devices are undergoing security checks before being reconnected. If systems are restored quickly, classes may resume on Tuesday.