Internet back on at HWDSB schools following cyber incident

Internet access is set to be restored Tuesday at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Boards (HWDSB) schools following a cyber incident late last week.

"HWDSB's cyber security investigation continues," said the board. 

"If at any point during this process we need to discontinue connectivity due to findings of our ongoing investigation, we will ensure you are aware of this information as quickly as possible."

The board shut down its internet access temporarily on Thursday following concerns someone accessed its internal systems without authorization.

Matthew Gerard, associate director of business services for the HWDSB, told CBC Hamilton on Friday the board followed a cybersecurity protocol that includes reaching out to its insurance company, police and the Ontario Ministry of Education.

The HWDSB said Monday afternoon as part of the process, students will have to change their passwords, with secondary students being prompted to do so on Wednesday and elementary students on Thursday.

Registration for full-day kindergarten was paused on Monday but is now set to take place Friday, according to the board. 

Remote Learning is also back online. 

The board said answered some frequently asked questions on Sunday about the cyber incident and said staff and students' information hadn't been compromised.