Digital Smarts - K-12 Schools Number 1 Target for Ransomware

K-12 schools now make up the majority of victims from ransomware attacks, according to a report from the FBI and other federal security agencies. Ransomware is a form of malware in which the attacker gains access to the victim’s computer systems and then holds the victim’s systems and/or data for ransom. Perpetrators demand money on the threat of disabling computer systems that they’ve gained control over or releasing personal data they’ve stolen (generally private student data in the case of K–12 incidents). Parents and students need to be aware of these attacks, which also disrupt service and block remote learning. Do you know your school’s policy on surviving a ransomware attack?