Howard University cancels classes due to ransomware attack

Howard University canceled classes on Tuesday after its network was the target of a ransomware cyberattack, according to school officials. The historically Black university said it intentionally shut down its network after noticing "unusual activity" last week.

"The situation is still being investigated," the university wrote in a statement. "Based on the investigation and the information we have to date, we know the University has experienced a ransomware cyberattack." Howard's physical campus is only open to essential employees on Tuesday, the announcement said. Non-essential staffers have been directed to stay home. The school's WiFi service will be down until further notice and only some applications are accessible, although it is not clear which ones. Students and staff were advised not to call the school's helpline should certain university applications not work during this time.