Education Sector Being Targeted for Cyber Attacks

  • Cybersecurity
  • 9/9/2022

Back to school apparently also applies to hackers.  Educational institutions are currently being targeted for ransomware attacks.  The FBI, Cybersecurity & Infra...

Back to school apparently also applies to hackers.  Educational institutions are currently being targeted for ransomware attacks.  The FBI, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a warning on September 6, 2022 about the increase in ransomware attacks by hacking group Vice Society.  This group has been using compromised credentials to exploit internet-facing applications to gain access, explore the network, exfiltrate sensitive student data and deploy ransomware. For example one of the largest school districts in the USA experienced an attack that was launched over Labor Day weekend.  In the past, we have seen this disruptive activity lead to classes being cancelled, exams being delayed, to schools being shut down permanently.

Take the time to improve your cybersecurity operations.

Test your infrastructure for any vulnerabilities.

With the ongoing events and current attacks being observed, here are some steps that you can take now to reduce the risk of a ransomware attack:

  1. Train users so they can quickly identify unusual activities including phishing
  2. Establish a robust password management policy including MFA
  3. Regularly test your network and security operations
  4. Identify and mitigate vulnerabilities
  5. Prepare and practice your incident response plan

#StopRansomware: Vice Society | CISA

How can CLA help?

CLA’s cybersecurity and data privacy team has years of experience responding to cyber incidents and helping prevent them.  Please contact us and David Sun; national leader for the cyber incident response if you are experiencing an incident or would like help assessing and mitigating your risk for a cyber attack.

This blog contains general information and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, investment, tax, or other professional services. Consult with your advisors regarding the applicability of this content to your specific circumstances.

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