Ransomware attacks on schools have surged in September 2023, as classes resume, with Recorded Future’s data showing at least 27 schools and districts falling victim to these malicious attacks, compared to 19 the previous month.
Furthermore, this uptick has resulted in over 400 schools being impacted, as some incidents targeted multiple schools with large student enrollments. Ransomware gangs tend to exploit schools during this period when they are particularly vulnerable, causing class cancellations and network outages.
Even large districts like Prince George’s County Public Schools, with over 130,000 students, and smaller ones like a Pennsylvania school district serving 10,000 students, faced disruptions due to these attacks.
The severity of the situation prompted the White House to host a K-12 cybersecurity summit, addressing the need to treat cyberattacks on schools with the same seriousness as physical attacks on critical infrastructure.
Deputy Education Secretary Cindy Marten emphasized the importance of bringing together stakeholders to ensure schools are well-equipped with guidance and support to raise awareness of this issue.
As the frequency and impact of ransomware attacks on educational institutions continue to grow, cybersecurity funding for schools is being increased to tackle this pervasive threat effectively. The figures in this ransomware tracker highlight the ongoing challenges schools face in protecting their digital infrastructure.
