A cybersecurity incident over the weekend forced Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) in Virginia to close all campuses on Monday, November 10, as officials worked to restore critical systems. The district said the disruption affected both network connectivity and phone systems, prompting cautionary measures to ensure data integrity and operational security before classes resume.
The district confirmed that no threats were made to physical school safety, but digital systems were compromised. The decision to close schools was made to allow IT teams and external cybersecurity specialists to investigate and contain the breach. Classes are expected to resume Wednesday, November 12, following a previously scheduled holiday on Tuesday.
District Takes Systems Offline to Ensure Safety
In a letter to families on Sunday, Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman explained that the incident was detected over the weekend, disrupting communication and internal operations. The district quickly initiated its cybersecurity response plan, which included disconnecting affected systems, securing networks, and engaging outside experts to assist with forensic analysis.
“While our physical campuses remain secure, the outage impacts our ability to communicate efficiently,” Newman stated. “We are taking this step to ensure our systems are fully safe and functional before students return.”
The shutdown affects the entire district network, including school office communications, internet access, and certain administrative services. Teachers and staff were instructed to remain in contact through emergency communication channels until systems are restored.
Officials did not release details about the type of cyberattack or whether sensitive information had been accessed, citing the ongoing investigation. However, the district emphasized that data protection and transparency remain top priorities as they work to determine the scope of the Manassas City Public Schools incident.
Growing Trend of Cyberattacks on Schools
The incident in Manassas City Public Schools adds to a rising number of cyberattacks targeting school districts across the United States in recent years. These attacks often aim to disrupt operations, steal sensitive data, or demand ransom payments in exchange for restoring access to systems.
Education networks are considered attractive targets due to their large databases of student and staff information, combined with limited cybersecurity budgets. Many districts face challenges in maintaining strong digital defenses while managing outdated infrastructure.
Experts say such Manassas City Public Schools incidents highlight the need for stronger cybersecurity education and infrastructure investment within school systems. Proactive training, data encryption, and multi-factor authentication are among the key strategies recommended by cybersecurity professionals to reduce risks.
Manassas City Public Schools’ rapid response—shutting down operations and calling in external experts—reflects a growing trend among districts to prioritize containment and prevention over immediate recovery. This approach helps minimize potential data exposure and prevents attackers from gaining deeper access to systems.
Communication and Recovery Efforts Continue
District officials said they are committed to maintaining open communication with families, staff, and community members throughout the recovery process. Updates will be shared through official school channels, including the district’s website and verified social media accounts.
Parents of Manassas City Public Schools students have been asked to monitor these channels for information regarding system restoration, class schedules, and additional safety measures.
While the district expects to reopen on Wednesday, Superintendent Newman noted that the timeline could change if investigators uncover new issues requiring extended downtime. “Our priority is ensuring the security of every system our students and staff rely on daily,” he said.
As cyber threats against educational institutions continue to grow, the Manassas City Public Schools incident serves as another reminder of the importance of cybersecurity readiness in schools. Investing in resilient systems, regular audits, and staff training remains essential to safeguard learning environments from future attacks.
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