Cyberattack Disrupts Fall River Public Schools' Network in Massachusetts
Fall River Public Schools in Massachusetts is investigating a cybersecurity breach after unauthorized access to sections of its internal network was discovered on Monday, April 7. Chief Information Officer Scott Cabral identified the suspicious activity, prompting immediate containment measures by IT staff. Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley confirmed that third-party cybersecurity experts and law enforcement are conducting a forensic investigation. No evidence has been found that student or staff personal data was accessed, but the district has pledged to notify individuals if that changes.
As a result of the breach, internet access has been disabled across the district, disrupting classroom connectivity, Chromebook use, and scheduled MCAS testing. Attendance call systems have also been paused. While officials have not confirmed whether the attack involved ransomware, the district has begun strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure. This incident follows a pattern of recent cyberattacks in Massachusetts, including a January 2025 breach of the Town of Bourne's IT network and an October 2024 attack that disrupted Provincetown IB Schools for 11 days.