Ransomware attacks have hit a community college and a school district in Massachusetts’ Bristol County, interrupting classes as officials work to regain total control over their internet networks.

Ransomware attacks involve someone taking over a computer system or network and demanding payment, often in the form of cryptocurrency, to release it.

Online services, including email, at Bristol Community College have been affected for over a week. The cyberattack was discovered Dec. 23, though classes have continued.

“We would like to thank you for your patience and flexibility over the past week as we navigate the impact of what we now know to be a criminal cyberattack, which is an attempt by hackers to damage the college’s computer network,” the college said in a statement last week. “This has been a very difficult time for the college and we are grateful for your understanding. Winter classes are in session and we continue to move forward with our plans for the Spring semester.”

A message about the service disruption was still on the college’s website Wednesday.

Lynette Owens of Trend Micro joins us to talk about the threat of ransomware attacks at school and how to keep kids safe online.

Across the Taunton River in Swansea, school was closed for primary and secondary students Wednesday because the district’s internet network was being held ransom, its superintendent said.

The ransomware attack was being worked on Wednesday, after Swansea Public Schools Superintendent John Robidoux announced the closure Tuesday. He didn’t give a timeline on when schools would reopen.