EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Public Schools has taken all of its online systems offline after discovering a cybersecurity incident Monday.
In a statement released early Wednesday afternoon, the district said it had identified “suspicious activity” on its network. Forensic experts are investigating and working to restore the systems.
Superintendent Michelle Balch said in a phone interview that she does not believe the incident is “related at all” to the cyberattack on Springfield Public Schools around Labor Day. In that attack, an unauthorized group gained access to the Springfield district’s computer network, forcing officials to shut down key systems and close schools for four days.
In Easthampton, Balch said there is no timeline for restoring the systems.
“We took all of our systems offline, it was intentional and we did that out of an abundance of caution,” Balch said, adding that the city has cybersecurity insurance that provides access to experts in situations like this.
Balch said little else is known about the suspicious activity, and school officials won’t know if student and staff data was accessed until the forensic investigation is complete.
Schools remain open, and the district is working to limit disruptions, she said. Springfield Public Schools lent the district wireless hot spots so it could keep internet access for essential school operations, but that for the time being students won’t be using laptops during the school day.
“We apologize for the operational disruption, but we have reverted to manual coordination methods and school remains in session,” the statement says. “We recognize the significance of this event and have quickly taken the appropriate steps to address it. Our comprehensive assessment is ongoing.”
Balch said the district will share more information as it becomes available.
