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Classes Resume Wednesday In Baltimore County Following Cyberattack

Baltimore County Public Schools

Baltimore County students and teachers will be able to return to their virtual learning classrooms on Wednesday.

School officials made the announcement Monday night, following last week’s ransomware attack on the school system’s network. Students and staff have homework they need to do on Tuesday to prepare.

There are instructions on the BCPS.org website for students and staff to do a “confidence check” on their computers to make sure they are not infected. Students who need different devices can go to their nearest high school between 1 pm and 5 pm Tuesday to pick them up or get assistance.

The reaction on social media to the reopening plan was a mixed bag. Some lauded the school system’s IT staff for working around the clock to find a way to jump start instruction one week after what had been called a “catastrophic event.”

Others called the situation a “big mess” and questioned whether the computer system is safe.

Before the reopening announcement Monday, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said the school system needs to do a better job of communicating with him and with the residents of Baltimore County.

“I know that it is something that is deeply frustrating to both our parents and our students and our educators,” he said. “I get it. Everyone’s right to have questions and they deserve answers from the school system as soon as possible.”

The school system has provided few details about the attack. Officials say they can’t disclose too much because there is an ongoing criminal investigation.

John Lee is a reporter for WYPR covering Baltimore County. @JohnWesleyLee2
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