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Last updated on Wednesday, July 6, 2016
(BLOOMFIELD) - Bloomfield School District Superintendent Dan Sicthing says he is confident no student data was breached after a virus struck the school’s computers about two weeks ago.
Sabrina Stockrahm of the Greene County Daily World reports, Sichting told the Bloomfield School Board, Thursday, it appears a "ransomware" virus originated from the computer lab two weeks ago during a professional development training session a couple of weeks ago, and Sichting said he believes quick action by staff prevented major, longterm issues. The virus was able to somehow go undected by the school's virus protection software, and was only active for a couple of hours before staff unplugged the computers in the lab.
Fortunately, a lot of the school's data is stored offsite, like Harmony, food servies and Computrol. Although, the school's website server did take a hit and is currently out of service. Sichting noted the school was planning on changing its website soon, so they are going to wait to make the switch rather than get the current one running.
In addition, it appears some teachers' data -- such as tests, quizzes and letters -- are not recoverable.
Since the virus issue, Sicthing said the school has started using a much stronger virus protection program, and is looking into off-site backup storage.
"We will be coming back to the board with recommendations for off-site storage," Sicthing noted.
The superintendent said a claim will also be filed with their insurance agency.
He also stressed the importance of being weary of clickable links and downloadable attachments in emails.
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