Cyber attack investigation underway at the Alabama State Department of Education

A cyber attack investigation is underway at the Alabama State Department of Education.

State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey tells Action 8 News that on June 17, Information System staff interrupted and stopped an attack on the department’s computer system.

Dr. Mackey said the staff members were able to stop the attack before the hackers could access all of the targeted servers to lock down its computer system. However, the hackers were able to access some data an disrupt services before the staff members stopped the attack.

ALSDE says it is working with state and federal law enforcement, the Alabama Attorney General’s office, the Alabama Office of Information Technology and an independent contractor to help fortify their cyber defenses and determine which information, if any, was compromised.

Dr. Mackey said that criminal investigation is ongoing.

State officials say services have been restored and additional cyber protocols have been added to the system. Once it is determined which data may be compromised, ALSDE says it will notify relevant parties in full compliance with application notification laws and best practices.

Dr. Mackey says while they do not know the exact content of the information, it is possible that the hackers breached both student and employee data, including some personally identifiable information.

For more information regarding the cyber attack, click here.