Richland School District in Washington State Offline After Cyberattack
The Richland School District in Washington experienced a significant cyber attack, causing phone and internet outages for at least three days. Unauthorized access to the district's network was identified, leading to the precautionary shutdown of additional systems. This disruption affected access to grades, attendance records, and the enrollment portal, impacting over 13,700 students and staff across multiple schools.
The district is collaborating with third-party forensic specialists to investigate the breach, determine its impact, and restore full functionality. Despite the disruptions, the district assured families that they are committed to safeguarding information and enhancing system security. The cyberattack coincided with the final days of the 2023-24 school year, exacerbating the challenges faced by students, parents, and teachers.