Weslaco ISD reported Monday that the school district’s computer network was attacked by ransomware, prompting an FBI investigation into the matter.
The district detailed the incident in a series of statements and social media posts.
“We do not know the extent of the attack, and we are working to contain the threat,” one statement read. “School instruction may have been disrupted for some students this morning. The District has since made adjustments and online learning is now taking place.”
The district first reported an internet network outage that was impeding online learning Monday morning.
Later in the day, the district cautioned parents and staff against releasing information after receiving a phone call or email.
In a statement, the district said it currently doesn’t know if personal information of students and staff was compromised in the attack and is issuing that warning out of an abundance of caution.
“Our technology department is working with cyber security companies and federal agencies to help minimize the breach,” Superintendent Priscilla Canales wrote in a news release. “I am proud of our technology department, administration, teachers and staff who quickly made changes to support student learning and daily operations.”
A district board meeting, public hearing and board workshop slated to be held Monday evening were canceled, although it wasn’t immediately clear if that was related to the incident.
According to a statement, more information will be released as the issue is resolved.
