ETHS: Still trying to determine scope of breach

Evanston Township High School (ETHS) remains closed due to an ongoing cybersecurity breach and ransomware investigation, with critical systems disabled and the FBI assisting. The district has not yet determined the breach’s full scope or how it occurred, and no timeline for reopening has been set." "article": "Evanston Township High School (ETHS) in Illinois remains closed indefinitely as officials investigate a cybersecurity breach involving ransomware. The incident has disrupted essential systems, including network access, internet services, phone lines, and emergency operations, forcing staff to work remotely. District 202 spokesperson Reine Hanna stated that the full extent of the breach is still unknown, and forensic teams are assessing what data may have been accessed or acquired. The FBI has been engaged to assist in the investigation, while ETHS has not yet identified how the breach occurred. The closure, initially announced for Monday and Tuesday, may extend as the district waits for system restoration and confirmation that operations can resume safely. Hanna noted that a decision on reopening could be made within 24 hours, pending progress. Updates on the incident are being provided through the district’s website at eths202.org/Cybersecurityincident. The breach follows a recent wave of attacks on educational institutions, including Northwestern University, which was targeted by hackers last month through the Canvas online learning platform. Students and staff are currently unable to return to campus, with no Summer School classes or activities scheduled until further notice. The district emphasizes that safety and data security remain the top priorities during the investigation.