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Nantucket Public Schools will be closed Wednesday after being hit by ransomware attack

NANTUCKET, Mass. — Nantucket Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday after the district’s computer systems fell victim to a ransomware attack, officials said. Students and staff within Nantucket schools were sent home early on Tuesday.

“Together with outside data security experts, our Information Technology Department has been working very hard all day to restore our computers and internet service,” Superintendent Beth Hallett said in a message that was sent to families and workers in the district. “However, out of an abundance of caution, we will be canceling school tomorrow, Wednesday, February 1, for all staff and students.”

The attack shut down all student and staff devices, and safety systems, phones, and security cameras were also disabled, according to Hallet.

Hallet urged students and staff to refrain from using school-issued devices until further notice because the attack could also compromise home networks.

Athletic events are still scheduled as usual.

There were no additional details immediately available.

An investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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