Digital Forensics Dispatch

Cyberattack Cripples Oregon School District

May 25, 2021

According to Rob Manning at OPB.org, the Centennial School District in Multnomah County, just outside of Portland Oregon, recently reported a cyberattack that prompted the district to shut down its entire computer network.

While there is never a good time for an incident like this, it comes at a particularly difficult time for the district. This is because much of the student instruction was still taking place remotely or relying on the school’s online platforms for some hybrid learning that had recently began.

Officials have reported that the attack was first uncovered when it became clear an “unknown actor” had begun encrypting files across the school’s network. This prompted the school to shut down all of their network, including their website and email, while the scope of the breach is assessed. An internal investigation has been launched and an emergency school board meeting was planned to enter into contact with a digital forensics firm to assist in dealing with the attack. The incident seems to have put learning on hold for the students for at least one week while the school struggles to deal with the situation.  

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