Albuquerque Public Schools

Albuquerque Public Schools, also known as APS, is a public school district headquartered in the United States of America. It provides primary and secondary education services to students within its jurisdiction. As New Mexico's largest school district, APS serves a substantial student population exceeding 73,000 individuals. The district operates numerous schools and facilities dedicated to delivering educational programs and supporting student development. Its core mission revolves around administering public education for the community it serves.

The district's operational infrastructure includes critical systems essential for daily functions and student safety, such as attendance tracking, emergency communications, and authorized student pickup procedures. APS experienced a significant cybersecurity incident on January 12, 2022, which forced the cancellation of classes for multiple days, marking its first-ever "cyber snow days." This attack compromised vital systems, disrupting normal operations and highlighting the district's reliance on digital infrastructure. The incident underscored the heightened vulnerabilities faced by educational institutions like APS, particularly those managing virtual learning environments and operating with potentially limited cybersecurity resources compared to private sector counterparts. Such disruptions demonstrate the severe operational and financial recovery challenges that can extend well beyond immediate school closures following a cyberattack.