Broken Arrow Public Schools hit with ransomware attack

• Broken Arrow Public Schools suffered a ransomware attack that caused network and server issues, thereby disrupting operations of the school district.
• The school’s superintendent noted that the district will not pay the ransom.

What is the problem?

Broken Arrow Public Schools suffered a ransomware attack that caused network and server issues, thereby disrupting operations of the school district.

A brief overview

• Upon experiencing network and server issues, the school launched an investigation on the situation and notified its cyber insurance carrier.
• The school also hired cybersecurity experts to assist them with the investigation.
• The investigation revealed that the school has been a victim of a ransomware attack.

What actions were taken?

• After discovery, the school district began recovery efforts which included enhancing the security of its digital environment.
• It promptly notified the FBI about the incident and began working with the vendors to restore normal operations.
• The school’s superintendent noted that the district will not pay the ransom.
• Meanwhile, the Oklahoma State Department of Education has extended its support to the school district to recover from the attack.

“We are aware of the ransomware incident that has affected Broken Arrow Public Schools and have offered to support the district in any way we can,” said Executive Director of Communications Steffie Corcoran, a local media reported.

School officials said they’re not aware of any personal data or financial information that has been leaked.

“Broken Arrow Public Schools places the utmost importance on our network and system security, and district technology experts have been working diligently with vendors to restore normal operations as soon as possible. At this time, we are not aware of any unauthorized disclosure of student personal data or financial information,” said Superintendent Dr. Janet Dunlop.