Swansea Public Schools Cancels Classes Due To Ransomware Attack

SWANSEA, MA — Swansea Public Schools cancelled classes Wednesday due to a ransomware attack on the schools' network, the superintendent of Swansea Public Schools announced Tuesday.

"The cyber security company with whom we contract is working today to ascertain the extent of the attack on our network," Superintendent of Schools John Robidoux wrote in a tweet Tuesday. "More info will be shared once we have a clearer picture."

Robidoux added that transportation will still be provided to students attending out of district special education schools Wednesday.

Swansea Public Schools include Mark G. Hoyle Elementary, Gardner Elementary, Joseph G. Luther Elementary, Elizabeth S. Brown Elementary, Joseph Case Junior High School, and Joseph Case High School.

Ransomware is a form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable, according to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Malicious actors then demand ransom in exchange for decryption.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.