HWDSB schools remain open Monday as board continues to deal with potential cyberattack

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) says its schools will remain open Monday as the investigation continues on a potential cyberattack reported last week.

The board shut down its internet access temporarily late last week following concerns someone accessed its internal systems without authorization. Wi-Fi remained down Monday morning.

"We want to stress that it is our current understanding that staff and students' personal information has not been compromised," said the board in a social media post on Sunday.

"If our understanding changes, we will let you know as soon as those details are confirmed."

The board addressed some frequently asked questions in its Sunday post, saying transportation "continues as usual."

Phones at schools are running and parents reporting absences can call the schools directly, according to the board.

Some online services, however, including remote learning for elementary and secondary students, remained on pause. Learning activities and resources are available through TVO Learning: Learn at Home Resources.

Registration for kindergarten and summer school are also impacted, according to the HWDSB.

Unknown how long disruptions will last

The board said, in its post, the incident is not related to the PowerSchool data breach in late December.

However, the board said it can't disclose "specific details regarding the actions being taken to resolve" the issue yet due to the sensitive nature of the incident.

The board announced Thursday it had shut down its internet as of 5 p.m. ET. Schools remained open Friday.

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.

In the Sunday update, the board thanked students and staff.

"Your ability to pivot quickly and find solutions has been remarkable. Even in these challenging circumstances," said the board in its update.

The HWDSB said it does not yet know for how long services may be impacted.