Kiski Area School District reports it was hit by a cyber attack last week

The Kiski Area School District was the victim of a cyber attack last week, district officials said Monday.

A letter sent to staff and students, also posted on the district's website, said the attack happened Oct. 10, but few details are being released while it's under investigation.

“I can't release much right now,” said John Tedorski, district technology director.

In the letter, Tedorski said the district's Chromebook and Google Drive systems were not affected.

The student information system and accounting and payroll software were not affected in the attack because they are hosted off-site.

Tedorski said the district doesn't use Social Security numbers for its student or employee files as a safety precaution. The district is working with a third-party vendor to investigate the attack and recover lost files.

As a result of the attack, the district is buying additional protection software for nearly $29,000. District Superintendent Tim Scott said the additional software will help protect the district from cyber attacks.

The attack comes less than a week after the state auditor general released results of a statewide survey where a majority of school districts said they are concerned about cybersecurity but don't have enough resources to prepare for potential breaches.

Emily Balser is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-226-4680, emilybalser@tribweb.com or via Twitter @emilybalser.