Cyberattack at Regina school division disruptive for teachers: STF

A recent cyberattack on Regina Public Schools was disruptive for teachers, according to the head of their union.

Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation president Patrick Maze said he doesn’t have details about what information was taken or what the hackers were after in the May 22 attack, but said such incidents do have an “incredible impact on teachers.”

Regina Public Schools reported that it took its systems offline shortly after it became clear it had been hacked.

Particularly since the pandemic, Maze highlighted the reliance teachers place on online teaching tools, which they use to safely store information.

“So much of our work is done on computers now. Marks are stored there,” Maze said, noting many students are required to submit assignments online.

The fast-approaching exam season added another layer of complexity, he said.

“It’s kind of the worst possible time,” Maze said. “It’s incredibly disruptive, but at the same point I know the division is doing their best to make sure that it’s looked after as carefully as possible.”
While the school division has not shared anything about the cyberattack, Maze said it’s “prudent” for divisions to be careful with what they share in these situations.

He said all divisions take such attacks seriously, and want to do the right thing.

“They have to be very careful as to how they proceed,” Maze said. “I’m sure they’re very concerned themselves to make sure everything is handled appropriately.”