District Investigating Security Breach, Eyeing Students

The district says there was an IT security breach over the weekend and they believe at least six students may be responsible.

According to a message sent to parents, district staff and media, a computer password was "compromised" at one of the district's schools. The message states that the district's IT department is still investigating if any data had been breached.

“So far, six Ridgewood students have been identified as possible participants in this serious offense and the Ridgewood Police Department has been notified,”  the message states. “Pending further investigation by the IT Department, the matter may result in a criminal investigation by the Ridgewood Police and the Bergen County Computer Crimes Unit.”

Superintendent Daniel Fishbein declined to answer questions, writing in an e-mail he did not want to "jeopardize" an active investigation.

School officials did not say which school the breach occurred at, but noted if personal identifiable information has been taken illicitly, the district will contact victims.

Additionally, according to the message, the district will seek restitution for any expenses incurred by the breach.

Ridgewood Police said no charges have been filed against students at this time.

“The district maintains a ‘zero tolerance’ stance regarding this type of behavior,” Fishbein said in the message. “We will continue to fully investigate this offense and are prepared to exercise our rights to the fullest extent permissible by law.”