Ransomware attack on Bigfork schools; fix in works

BIGFORK (AP) — School officials in Bigfork have been trying to work around a ransomware computer attack that has left them unable to access student records and other files, and say they don’t intend to pay the attackers in exchange for a quick fix.

They expect to fix the problem on their own before the current grading period ends next week.

The attack encrypted and locked computer files so they couldn’t be opened. The malicious software got into the system through an email attachment.

Because the attack affected staff Social Security numbers, the district has given employees the option to sign up for free identity protection services.

There’s no evidence any data has been stolen, however, and the district doesn’t intend to contact the attackers, Superintendent Matt Jensen said.

“There is no evidence this group that sent a virus will do anything with the data,” Jensen said.

The district reported the attack to law enforcement. Such attacks are difficult to investigate locally because the perpetrators could be anywhere in the world, Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said.