Ransomware Attack

Schools closed after ransomware attack.

But in the huntsville city school district - students won't be going to class at all today!

The district made the decision to cancel classes after a cyber attack!

Right now - local and federal agencies are investigating the ransomware attack.

Waay 31's sierra phillips joins us live with what we know about the situation.

At this point - the district said it's not clear if anyone's information was compromised.

They're also still working with authorities to find out how it started!

In a note last night - the superintendent said even though class is only canceled for today so far, they may need to cancel additional days in the future.

And a district spokesman said because of the nature of a ransomware attack - where you have to pay to get information back - students and staff need to stay off district devices and online learning platforms until further notice.

A huntsville cyber security expert told us that for now, staying offline is the way to go.

David jarmon, "vp of cybersecurity at gray analytics: "really to keep it from propagating through the system, they really need people to stay off the, off out of the applications and off of their computers so if they want to help, that's the best thing they can do right now."

Today - no students, staff, or teachers will be online or in any buildings as the investigation continues.

As soon as the district makes a decision about classes tomorrow - we'll let you know on air and online.

Reporting live in huntsville sierra phillips waay31 news.