The Police Department is investigating, Meier said.
Meier said officials have established limited internet access to ensure that certain critical operations, including the town’s internal IT systems, are still functioning. But basic internet access, including all email systems, are down, he said.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily secured certain systems in the town’s network while an investigation is done,” he said.
The town and school phone systems are still functioning, and town buildings and schools continue to operate under a normal schedule, Meier said.
So far, the investigation has not revealed evidence that data or personal information was stolen, Meier said this morning. However, the investigation is still ongoing.
“The privacy and security of data is a top priority for the town” Meier said. “We are taking this matter very seriously.”
Meier said the town is working with “investigative partners and subject matter experts” to help determine what happened over the weekend.
Officials anticipate that the temporary shutdown will last several days, Meier said.
School Superintendent Joseph Macary told Meier that the schools are still functioning, despite the Internet shutdown.
It’s having a “minimal impact” on day-to-day activity, Meier said of the local schools. Teachers have been replacing lessons that have online components with more traditional methods.
“Many of us remember a time before internet, where learning and instruction still took place,” Meier said.
©2020 Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
