Internet Hackers Claim Responsibility For Johnston School Threats

JOHNSTON, IA -- A web hacking group known as The Dark Overlord claims it was behind the threatening messages and information breach that worried families and closed schools in Johnston earlier this week. Officials continue to believe there is no credible threat connected to the threats.

Classes were canceled in all Johnston schools Tuesday and schedules were adjusted Wednesday to check buildings for any potential problems before students returned. The district has about 7,200 students and 1,000 employees.

KCCI reported Thursday night that Johnston schools superintendent Corey Lunn emailed families to explain that The Dark Overlord group claims it posted school directory files containing student names, addresses and phone numbers on a website accessible to the public.

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Law enforcement officials have long been aware of The Dark Overlord, which has previously hacked companies and held for ransom such things as Social Security numbers, patient healthcare records and Netflix and ABC-TV programs.

“As parents, it is clear we are living in changing times, one that poses many challenges given the prominent role technology plays in all of our lives,” Lunn said in his email, according to KCCI. “However, I want to reassure you we are taking this cyberbreach very seriously.”

Earlier: District informs parents of threats and recommends updating online security, passwords

Johnston police early said they do not believe the cyberthreats post a credible or physical threat to students and staff. No arrests had been made in the case as of Thursday.

Image, Johnston schools website