Agawam Student Blamed For Cyberattack On School's Network

A student was behind a cyberattack on a Massachusetts school system this week that temporarily shut down the district’s computer network, disrupted remote learning, and forced the postponement of exams, officials said.

The attack on the Agawam school district prevented students and staff from logging onto the system and sending emails, WWLP-TV reported Wednesday.

Agawam Junior High School staff questioned students and at least one admitted to being involved, Mayor Bill Sapelli told the station.

“Some individuals may think this is comical or cool, but it's anything but," he said. "During COVID-19, we have remote learning, we have students who can’t come in. You have teachers who can’t come in.”

Police are investigating, but no charges have been filed. The school has taken steps to prevent a repeat, the mayor said.

The attack caused the school's IP address to be flooded and prevented any outgoing or incoming activity on the server. The network is expected to be working again Friday.