Cyberattack Disrupts Provincetown Schools for 11 Days in October
From October 17 to 28, 2024, Provincetown IB Schools in Massachusetts faced a network shutdown following a cyberattack that disrupted servers and Windows computers. Town Manager Alex Morse noted that details remain limited as investigations are ongoing. The attack was first noticed when a teacher reported unusual computer behavior, prompting the IT department to shut down the system about seven minutes later. Superintendent Gerry Goyette remarked on the potential damage in that short time, stating, “You can do a lot in seven minutes.” The school then wiped all affected devices to remove malware and expedited its plans to replace the server. Cloud-based systems holding student records and health information were unaffected, minimizing risks of personal data theft.
Superintendent Goyette emphasized compliance with Massachusetts Data Breach Notification Law, which requires victims of breaches involving sensitive information to inform affected parties. While not all files contained critical data, Goyette prioritized transparency, notifying anyone mentioned in compromised records. Letters were sent to individuals on November 19. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities schools face from cyber threats and the importance of quick responses and robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and maintain operational continuity.