BCPS To Resume Virtual Learning Wednesday After Cyber Attack

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — After Baltimore County Public Schools was the victim of a ransomware attack that prompted officials to cancel classes, authorities say virtual learning will begin again Wednesday, Dec. 2.

Classes were canceled Monday and Tuesday so staff and student device needs could be addressed, according to a statement from the school system, which is the 25th largest in the United States.

The network was struck Tuesday evening, according to Jim Corns, executive director of information technology for Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS).

Due to "the size of our system, we are still ascertaining how much impact we really have," Corns said at a news briefing Wednesday. "This is a ransomware attack which encrypts data as it sits and does not access or remove it from our system, so we are engaging this as a ransomware attack."

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) canceled classes Wednesday, Nov. 25, after the breach.

Officials said Chromebooks issued by Baltimore County Public Schools were not affected by the attack, so students and staff were able to use those as well as BCPS Google accounts.

Over the weekend, the school system asked people not to use Windows-based devices until further notice, including Probooks and HP Revolves.

While schools are closed Monday and Tuesday for virtual learning, offices are open, and student meals are being provided on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Related:

• BCPS Closed To Students For 2 More Days Due To Ransomware Attack
• Ransomware Attack Closes Baltimore County Public Schools

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