Minneapolis Public Schools say data accessed through encryption virus posted online

Photo by: Minneapolis Public Schools - Facebook
Photo by: Minneapolis Public Schools - Facebook

(Minneapolis, MN) -- Minneapolis Public Schools officials say personal data accessed when the district was hit by an encryption virus has been posted online.

District officials say they are working with IT specialists to review the data and contact those affected by its release.

The district warned families of the threat a week ago, alerting them to watch for phishing events and scams, and to change passwords for any district accounts.

MPS says the data breach was part of a scheme to extract ransom from the district.