Protecting the security and privacy of personal information and student information is of the utmost importance to Mars Area School District.

Mars Area School District is investigating a data security incident that has impacted our network. We recently learned that certain Mars data was leaked online as a result of the incident.

We are conducting a thorough investigation with leading information security experts. We have also reported this incident to law enforcement. Our investigation is ongoing, but, at this time, we cannot say for certain what data was impacted.

Once our investigation concludes, we will notify impacted individuals, if any, in accordance with the relevant data security laws.

Mars Area School District

District Statement (posted 10.03.22)

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

In an effort to keep you informed, Mars Area School District would like to update you on the District’s response to the cyber security incident, originally reported on Sept. 27.

Upon learning of this issue, our District’s Administration and Technology Team took immediate action to protect the District systems and began a thorough investigation in consultation with outside cybersecurity and data privacy professionals. That investigation is in its early stages and is ongoing.  

We are working as quickly as we can to determine the scope and impact of this incident. Our current goals are to remove any and all infections from our systems and make sure all devices are safe.

Together, with outside experts, we are reviewing the information that was potentially impacted and working to mitigate those impacts. The District will give appropriate notice to those affected, in accordance with applicable data protection obligations, once we have completed our forensic review.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to work through this issue. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mark Gross, Superintendent
Mars Area School District

Dr. Elizabeth McMahon, Assistant Superintendent
Mars Area School District

District Statement (posted 09.27.22)

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

This message is to inform you that Mars Area School District has identified a cyber security incident, which has required the District to shut down parts of its network as we investigate and remediate the issue.

As a result of this incident, the District does not have access to e-mail or to the District’s Internet network. The District’s phone system has been unaffected and various online programs may still be accessed from outside the District.

Upon learning of this issue, our District’s Administration and Technology Team immediately began an investigation and are currently working closely with external cybersecurity professionals in an effort to recover all of our data. Although we are working to restore all systems as soon as possible, please be aware that it may take several days to regain full functionality in all systems.

Please note that school will continue to remain in session as we work to resolve this issue. In addition, please note that, at this time, there is no evidence that student or employee records were compromised or are at risk.

Our District is taking this situation very seriously and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this issue. As soon as additional information becomes available, we will keep you informed.

Specific questions regarding educational issues with students may be directed to appropriate Building Principal at the following: 

Mars Area High School – (724) 625-1581
Mars Area Middle School – (724) 625-3145
Mars Area Centennial School – (724) 625-2601
Mars Area Elementary School – (724) 625-3161
Mars Area Primary Center – (724) 625-1588

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mark Gross, Superintendent
Mars Area School District

Dr. Elizabeth McMahon, Assistant Superintendent
Mars Area School District