Cyber Incident Victim: Gasconade County R-II
Date:
Apr 2025
Location:
United States of America
Summary
Gasconade County R-II experienced an attempted cyberattack that was blocked by its existing security defenses. The technology team observed the intrusion attempts in real time and worked with external security partners to maintain system integrity. Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, are investigating the origin of the attack. Local law enforcement provided additional security presence while the investigation proceeded. The district temporarily adjusted its schedule to allow for system checks and staff training, reinforcing its commitment to vigilance against future threats.
| CIA Posture | Motives | Tactics, Techniques & Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Available to members | 1 motive | 2 techniques |
| Threat Actors | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 0 actors | Available to members | Available to members |
Description
Onthe evening of April 10, 2025, Gasconade County R-2 officials detected an attempted cyberattack on the district’s computer systems. Superintendent Dr. Jeri Kay Hardy reported that the attack occurred Thursday night and that technology staff observed attackers attempting to log in to the system from a computer screen. The district’s technology department had security measures in place that prevented the attackers from breaching any data. Hardy said she received a phone call from a partnered security company shortly after 5 p.m., and the company remained engaged with the district’s staff until about 8:30 p.m. to address the incident.
The following morning, administrators and technology personnel arrived at the schools around 6:15 a.m. on April 11 to verify that buildings and technology remained secure. They began a gradual reopening of the system to confirm that no information had been compromised. The district notified teachers, staff, and parents of the incident on April 11. Federal authorities, including a representative from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, were engaged to investigate the origin of the attack.
Local law enforcement agencies, namely the Owensville Police Department, Gerald Police Department, Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office, and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, provided extra security presence on Friday while the investigation continued. Hardy noted that a nearby school had previously experienced a data breach and had to issue a notification earlier in the year. She also mentioned that the district’s technology director, Nicole Grannemann, holds an IT degree and that systems specialist Zackary Gregory possesses an associate’s degree in IT. Gasconade County R-2 Schools were closed on Thursday, April 17 for a teacher professional development day and were not in session on Friday, April 18 and Monday, April 22 due to the Easter break.