A Winnipeg school division continues to investigate after being hit by a cyber security incident earlier this month.
On Dec. 2, the Pembina Trails information technology team identified unusual activity within the division’s network system.
As soon as it was detected, the team shut down the network and called on cybersecurity professionals to investigate.
“The investigation into this past week’s cyber security incident is continuing,” said Pembina Trails Superintendant and CEO Shelley Amos in a statement on the division’s website on Monday. “We are committed to keeping our school community informed as we progress through restoring systems and investigating the impact.”
Shelley says their priority right now is minimizing impact on learning and safeguarding student’s and staff’s information.
“We have engaged the right team of individuals to help us achieve these objectives. We are compiling questions from the community and will provide responses on this webpage as we get more information from our investigative team.”
The division says that they remain grateful that they have bene able to keep their shcoosl operation so that classes can continue.
“We are grateful that through the resiliency of our staff and teachers who have risen to the occasion. Their ingenuity has been nothing short of remarkable.”
One thing the division has reassured parents and guardians is that financial information is not stored on the student information system, and any finfnacial information for international students is stored on a distinct system that was not involved in the recent incident.
Amos says the investigation will take anywhere from weeks to months to complete.
“We thank you for your support and patience as our investigation continues and as we restore systems. We are confident that we will overcome this challenge together.”