Los Angeles Unified School District Hit by Ransomware Attack, Site Knocked Offline

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A ransomware attack brought down the computer systems of the Los Angeles Unified School District over the weekend, knocking the District’s website offline, eliminating access to email, and reportedly affecting systems that teachers use to post lessons and take attendance.

Officials said they are working around the clock to solve the problem before schools open this morning after the Labor Day weekend. “Business operations may be delayed or modified,” the District stated. However, “based on a preliminary analysis of critical business systems, employee healthcare and payroll are not impacted. Nor has the cyber incident impacted safety and emergency mechanisms in place at schools.”

Moreover, the District said it “is immediately establishing a plan of action, informed by top public and private sector technology and cyber security …