Ransomware: Schools are the favorite target of criminals in 2023

Ransomware: Schools are the favorite target of criminals in 2023


According to a survey by security firm BlackFog, the education sector is now the main target of ransomware attacks.

Data hijacking, or ransomware, is one of the most feared digital threats by business groups today. In addition to exposing data and invading the system, cybercriminals demand large ransoms in an attack pattern that damages the reputation of companies.




And the rise of remote learning after the pandemic has widened the attack surface. “Before, e-learning was not that widespread. Now, with many more people now accessing education networks from remote locations, cybercriminals can leverage many more entry points, putting extra pressure on schools,” says Caio Sposito , Brazil country manager of security and data recovery company Arcserve.

Additionally, many schools have limited resources to invest in data security, making them more vulnerable to cyberattacks. “Many cannot afford to hire top-notch technical experts to manage and protect their data or buy the latest security tools, but forget that the market already has effective solutions that are exceptionally affordable,” warns the executive.

How can schools protect themselves from ransomware?

Educational institutions’ best defense against ransomware is preventative measures, such as a culture of security awareness, starting with educating staff and students about data protection best practices.

According to the specialist, another decisive attitude of schools is to adopt the concept of zero trust, in which all users, devices and networks are not trusted until proven otherwise. “By granting the minimum necessary permissions, the school ensures that sensitive information remains secure and that students can access only the information they need to complete their assignments.”

When resources are lacking, one way to save money is to use data tiering to move less critical and less used information to lower cost storage options. Constant monitoring is another measure that helps identify potential security threats and determine actions to defend against.

“As schools increasingly adopt technology into their day-to-day operations, it is imperative that they also prioritize data protection and educate students and staff on the importance of security. By taking proactive steps to defend sensitive information, schools are not only ensuring compliance mandatory under current laws as well as creating a safer and more secure learning environment”, adds Caio Sposito.

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Source: Terra

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