Security measures taken amid online threats against schools that HCPSS says do not appear credible

Threats sent through compromised student Canvas accounts have prompted investigations by Howard County police and the FBI, with increased security measures planned at schools.

County police and school officials are investigating threats made against several high schools through compromised student accounts on Canvas.

“As a parent, it’s worrisome because you expect to send your kids to school, (and) it should be safe,” said Justin McCoy, a Howard County parent who received a message from the school system late Wednesday night about the threats.

Benjamin Schmitt, president of the Howard County Education Association, also received a call about the threats. He noted that other school systems were also targeted.

“It’s troubling that this is what we’re dealing with,” Schmitt told WBAL-TV 11 News. “Education is hard enough, but when you’re dealing with these other issues on top of it, it just compounds stress every day.”

Read more: WBAL