Hackers breach Commack High School computer system, district officials say
This 2012 image shows Commack High School. Credit: Google maps
Commack school district officials said Thursday night that an "unauthorized person" broke into a high school computer data network containing class schedules, student identification numbers, names and addresses.
In a statement posted on the district website, officials said there is no evidence that whoever hacked the system downloaded any specific student information. "At this time, we believe this breach only applies to a very limited number of high school student records," the statement said.
District officials would not say when the hacking occurred.
Immediately after learning of the breach, the district contacted Suffolk police, who have identified a suspect, officials said. Police confirmed they are investigating, but did not release any information.
The district's Internet technology department has added security, restored any altered student schedules and put a 24-hour monitoring program in place for all systems. Since those changes, no further hacking attempts have occurred, officials said.
In addition to an internal review, Commack officials plan to hire an outside technology expert to do a full evaluation of the district's electronic security.
"Please be assured that the district takes very seriously the protection of private student data, and actively monitors our networks," the statement said.
