Over the past few weeks, teachers have had continuous issues logging onto online systems, such as Classlink and Infinite Campus. On Sept 13, superintendent Dr. Major Warner sent out an update to all Fauquier County Public Schools staff regarding the issues with the online systems. Warner confirmed that there had been a cyberattack on FCPS1 online systems, and IT and cybersecurity professionals are working on a fix. In addition, the Virginia State Police and FBI have been contacted and are conducting an investigation regarding the online breach. Staff were advised to leave all devices at school for a couple of days to assist with the investigation.
On Sept 15, the director of FCPS1 technology services, Louis Mcdonald, announced new security measures to be implemented. First, all staff were required to reset passwords with two-factor authentication on their accounts. Two-factor authentication helps to secure accounts by requiring two pieces of authentication to access accounts and notifying the account holder of any potential log-ins. Staff is advised to transfer their data to OneDrive, which stores files on a secure network without being tied to a staff computer. Then, all FCPS1 computers will undergo a re-imaging process to remove everything from the device before being moved to a new, clean wireless network. All applications will have to be reinstalled in addition to the installation of Crowdstrike, a software program to identify and remove any potential online threats.
Cybersecurity and IT professionals will administer the reimaging and network migration process school by school over the coming weeks. Students may only need to reset passwords for their school accounts in the future. The entire recovery process will be completed by late November.
Warner and Mcdonald continued to ensure that no personal information from FCPS1 students and staff, financial data or student chromebooks were compromised. Teachers and students can safely continue to use their computers and take them home. The investigation by law enforcement on the breach is still ongoing.
