Chattanooga School Faces Ransomware Attack Amid Leadership Changes

News Summary

Chattanooga’s tech landscape is undergoing significant changes with the resignation of CIO Tyson Morris and the recent ransomware attack on Chattanooga State Community College. The college experienced a data breach affecting personal information of over 1,244 individuals. As students prepare to return to classes, the college offers credit monitoring for those affected. The community remains resilient as it navigates these challenges, ensuring both educational continuity and the protection of personal data.

Chattanooga’s Tech Landscape Faces Changes and Challenges

In a vibrant city known for its technological advancements, Chattanooga is navigating through some notable transitions and challenges lately. First up, the resignation of the city’s chief information officer, Tyson Morris, on March 25, 2024, marks a significant moment in the city’s tech leadership.

A Change in Leadership

Morris, who took the helm in 2022 to replace Brent Messer, has spent two fulfilling years as the top tech official under Mayor Tim Kelly’s administration. He has been instrumental in guiding Chattanooga’s digital transformation efforts, which recently earned the city the esteemed State and Local Champion Award from Amazon Web Services in 2023. Additionally, Morris played a role in Chattanooga’s participation in the Bloomberg City Data Alliance, helping the city enhance its data utilization through training and coaching.

As Morris departs, the city has welcomed Jerele Neeld as the interim CIO. Neeld’s appointment indicates a commitment to maintaining momentum in Chattanooga’s innovative public technology landscape, assuring residents of a bright future despite the changes at the top.

Ransomware Strikes Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga State Community College, which recently fell victim to a ransomware attack. First reported on May 6, the cyber incident has understandably sent ripples of concern through the student community, especially given the sensitive nature of the data impacted.

Details of the Cyber Incident

The attack compromised the personal information of approximately 1,244 individuals, predominantly affecting those who took the GED exams in 2012 and 2013. In response, the college is proactively reaching out to those affected through notification letters and is offering complimentary credit monitoring for a year as a precautionary measure.

A thorough investigation into the ransomware incident is currently underway, with experts in cybersecurity working diligently to understand the breach and bolster security measures for the future. As Chattanooga navigates these troubled waters, the city acknowledges the importance of protecting personal information and is sharing vital precautions on their FAQ page to guide the community.

Classes on the Horizon

In terms of academics, the college announced plans for a smooth transition back into the classroom after the disruption. Classes originally scheduled for May 8 are set to resume on May 22, while courses beginning on May 30 will proceed as planned. Academic advising for summer and returning students will also start back up on May 22, ensuring that students can continue their educational journeys without enduring too much delay.

Students enrolled in TN eCampus courses have received updates affirming that their classes will commence as scheduled on May 22. Faculty members have jumped into action, reaching out to students about the resumption of classes and how to access online course materials through eLearn.

Communicating with Students

Chattanooga State is committed to communicating vital information to students regarding their final grades and transcripts, with updates expected soon. Even though some student services will remain temporarily unavailable due to ongoing recovery efforts, the community is rallying together to ensure that the impact of the ransomware attack is minimized.

Both the leadership changes in the city and the ransomware incident at the college highlight the challenges and the resilient spirit of Chattanooga. The community is eager to move forward, with hopes for continued innovation and a secure environment for education and personal data.

Chattanooga embraces these transformative times with optimism, always ready to adapt and grow, because that’s the Chattanooga way.