Malware attack forces Alabama school system to push back start date
Houston County’s School System was set to open on Thursday, Aug. 1. Instead, school officials have pushed that back to Monday, Aug. 5 due to an apparent malware attack that has crippled the system’s telecommunications and computer networks.
Superintendent David Sewell confirmed to the Dothan Eagle that the school was hit by a malware attack and that work to fix the issue is currently underway. The school system has not commented on whether the attack affected student data or payroll information but teachers were asked not use their school computers until further notice.
Phone service at the Houston County Schools central office has been down since Wednesday.
The reporting schedule for faculty and administrators remains on schedule.
The school system is working with law enforcement, including the FBI, to investigate the issue.
Houston County isn’t the only school battling cyber intrusions. Earlier this week, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a statewide cybersecurity emergency after three public school districts – Sabine, Morehouse and Ouachita – were hit by a malware attack.
Law enforcement is investigating the incident.
Gloss