Hello Troy Community ~

We write with an update to our communication on August 7. As you know, TASD recently began experiencing a network disruption. We immediately took steps to secure our system and begin an investigation, including by engaging third-party forensic specialists to investigate the source of this disruption, confirm its impact on our systems and to restore full functionality to our systems as soon as possible. Our investigation determined that we were the victim of a ransomware attack.

In parallel to our work to restore our network and investigate the issue, we are investigating to determine whether any sensitive data may have been accessed or acquired. At this time, we have not confirmed that any sensitive data was compromised, but we will update you as soon as more information becomes available. We appreciate your patience and understanding and apologize for any inconvenience. As the investigation continues, we ask that you direct all questions to Dr. Janilyn Elias at jelias@troyareasd.org or 1.570.297.2750.

As mentioned in our August 7 communication, we will be opening school following our current 2024-2025 schedule. However, students will not be acquiring their devices to start the school year. This means we will not be issuing district iPads. Additionally, due to the limited available coverage, students should not be on any network using their personal device. Our Troy Virtual Academy students will have provisioned district iPads and should encounter no issues. We realize this is a very different situation as we start school. We will continue to have our Open House for all schools and grades on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Please see the schedule below.

WR Croman ~ 4:30pm-6:00pm
Intermediate ~ 5:30pm-7:00pm
Jr/Sr HS ~ 6:00pm-7:30pm

As the investigation continues, further updates will be provided via the TASD website, mobile app and social media channels. We are looking forward to having our students back in our hallways, enjoying the company of their friends and actively engaging in educational success.

Dr. Janilyn Elias
Superintendent

Updated Frequently Asked Questions

What happened?

We identified technical difficulties, resulting in a disruption to certain internal network systems. We are working diligently with third-party computer specialists to investigate the source of this disruption, confirm its impact on our systems and to restore our network functionality as quickly as possible. This investigation determined that we were the victim of a ransomware attack.

Was any of my/my students' information affected?

While our investigation into this incident is ongoing, we have not confirmed that any sensitive data was compromised at this time, but we will update you as soon as more information becomes available. TASD wants to assure you that the privacy and security of our student, family and employee information is one of our top priorities. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

When will you know more information?

We will provide additional information as our investigation progresses. We are working diligently with third-party computer specialists to investigate the incident and restore our systems to full functionality.

When will you be fully operational?

We are working diligently to restore our network to full functionality. We do not currently have a timeframe as to when this will occur. This issue will not impact our ability to provide services/education to our students.

Have the police been notified?

Yes, upon becoming aware of this incident, we informed local law enforcement and notified the FBI. We are cooperating with the FBI investigation.

You say that you are not issuing district iPads. What about online students?

Online students have already been provisioned district iPads and should encounter no issues.

Troy Area School District