Email Hoax Sent to Sonoma County Schools

04/09/2018 -

A threat of violence at school was emailed late this weekend to the superintendents of many Sonoma County school districts in what is believed to be a widespread hoax by a party outside the United States. The threats, also sent to other school districts around California, appear to all contain the same messaging and language. They omit any specifics about days, times, or even the names of schools or districts. They also appear similar in approach to a spate of hoax threats perpetrated in the United Kingdom in recent weeks. Police have indicated the threats are not credible but are working with affected districts to ensure safety and security.

The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) Information Technology department is looking into this matter as well. It does not appear there was any breach in school district internet or email security, nor in the security of school staff or students. As an extra precaution, SCOE IT is forwarding the matter to the Northern California Computer Crimes Task Force for further investigation.

“While we don’t believe these threats are in any way credible, schools are working closely with local law enforcement to determine who is responsible,” said County Superintendent Steve Herrington. “Student safety, security, and wellbeing are the highest priority in Sonoma County Schools.”