Minneapolis school district approves $1.5M antivirus contract following ransomware attack
MINNEAPOLIS – More anger is being expressed following the massive ransomware attack on Minneapolis Public Schools, and the district announced that it has approved a $1.5 million antivirus protection contract.
Hackers gained access to the school's data on Feb. 18. On Tuesday night, a teacher claimed hackers have since published private and incredibly sensitive information about teachers and students – and could publish even more.
High School math teacher Claire Watne claims the district downplayed the hack.
"The data is easy to find. I guarantee that we have students looking at it right now saying, 'Oh my god, that's my name I see,'" Watne said.
RELATED: Minneapolis Public Schools says hackers behind alleged attack posted some data online
Interim Superintendent Rochelle Cox claimed Tuesday night that the district did promptly notify staff. She says MPS will inform anyone who had their information impacted.
In the meantime, experts recommend changing your passwords and keeping an eye out for any suspicious emails.
The antivirus protection contract approved by the district is with Carahsoft, and includes advanced endpoint protection, next generation antivirus protection and 24/7 monitoring through June 30, 2024.