A ransomware attack targeting schools in Nantucket, Massachusetts, closed four facilities on Tuesday, with a total of about 1,700 students enrolled.
School district superintendent Elizabeth Hallett announced the decision in an email to parents, Information security.
“Our information technology department has been working hard throughout the day to restore our computers and Internet services, working with external data security experts,” wrote Hallett.
“However, out of an abundance of caution, we are canceling school for all staff and students tomorrow, Wednesday, February 1.”
The Superintendent also clarified that all athletic practices and games, the Nantucket Community Pool, and the early childhood center at Nantucket Elementary School continue to operate as planned.
According to Chris Clements, vice president of solutions architecture at a cybersecurity firm: Cerberus Sentinelelementary schools are common targets for cybercriminals for two reasons: the vulnerability of their IT systems and their ability to pay substantial extortion demands.
“In order to protect their organizations and their students, educational institutions must adopt a cybersecurity culture that makes prevention, detection, and response a true priority,” Clements said. Information security on mail.
“The good news is that effective cybersecurity does not have to cost a fortune in the latest and most expensive tools. A focus on surface minimization can greatly improve your cybersecurity posture.”
At the same time, security experts added that there is no substitute for experienced talent to keep institutions secure over the long term.
“Education systems should encourage in-house IT personnel to seek cybersecurity training or seek partners to enhance their capabilities.”
Ransomware and other cybersecurity attacks targeting the education sector are a widespread phenomenon.Just a few weeks ago, hackers Sensitive data leaked From 14 UK schools stolen in the 2022 attack by the infamous Vice Society group.
