(WXYZ) — The South Redford School District posted a notice to the community this morning saying school was closed because of a cyberattack and warned people not to use any district-issued devices.
But this is a threat that goes far beyond Redford. Just two weeks ago, the FBI and other agencies warned schools could be targets for ransomware attacks and anticipated an increase as this school year gets underway.
One cyber security company estimates at least 26 U.S. school districts have been infected with ransomware just this year.
Back in Redford, second grader Toni and her big sister Samara had to trade the classroom for chores today since school was closed.
"I thought that it was because somebody hacked the computers," said second grader Toni Mackey of the closure.
Parent Sheantez Kimling Mackey said she'd rather be safe than sorry when it comes to her children's security. She said she was surprised to wake up to a warning from administrators today telling parents and students not to use any district-issued tech devices.
"I have never heard that happening before, but in an age where kids were using Chromebooks in class, and they’re on the internet all day as well, I guess it would make sense for ... someone to attack the randomly small district outside of Detroit," said Mackey.
No one answered the door or the phone at the South Redford School District offices Tuesday. In a statement, the district said the cyberattack targeted the district's networked systems.
Their statement read in part, "Identification and resolution of such attacks take time and we are thankful for the patience of our school community while we work diligently to resolve the matter. At this time, we continue to actively work with our cyber security teams to resolve the cyber-attack that was made against the South Redford School District. Our cyber forensic teams have been working non-stop to identify and isolate the cyber-attack."
The FBI recently warned schools across the country to be on alert for cyberattacks — and the federal watchdog government accountability office issued a report last year urging the department of education to update their cybersecurity protocols. The last plan was created back in 2010.
Meanwhile, Mackey is confident her girls will be able to get back to classroom soon and she’s glad the district took the precaution of keeping them home today.
"I just told her she can’t get on her Chromebook today, so we’re cleaning instead!" she said.
The district said they expect to hear from cyber security experts over the next few hours and intend to notify families on whether school will be open tomorrow as soon as possible.
