Oklahoma parents are warned about ransomware attack in Norman

The FBI issued advice for Norman Public Schools parents after new details emerged about a ransomware attack on the district. Norman schools put out a letter Thursday detailing a ransomware attack last month. The district said someone gained access to their systems and could have seen sensitive information. “Most likely, the cause is some type of a phishing email that contains either a malicious link or an attachment from an untrusted source that unfortunately people fall victim to all the time,” said Kayla McCleery with FBI OKC.The FBI said these cases are good reminders to stay safe online — specifically when kids are involved. “Just having those conversations with them and educating them on the risks,” said McCleery, “And also the importance of being vigilant and monitoring their activity online.”Norman schools said they were unaware of anyone’s information being misused after the attack, but whoever launched it could have seen students’ social security numbers. Since the attack, the district has limited the use of some technology. Teachers now have to find new ways to do things they once would have done with technology, Norman parents said. The district is reviewing its policies and procedures, adding safeguards, giving staff a dedicated call center for questions and offering a year of identity theft protection.

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