A cybersecurity professor at Ferris State University said ransomware attacks against schools are unfortunately common.
ROCKFORD, MI — The Rockford Public School District is not the first to fall victim to a ransomware attack, and it won't be the last.
13 ON YOUR SIDE reported on the ransomware attack on Wednesday.
Greg Gogolin, a cybersecurity professor at Ferris State University, said incidents like this are unfortunately common in school districts because they have minimal precautions and staff in place to deal with these types of incidents. He said that.
He explained that a ransomware attack is when someone encrypts or disguises your information and then demands money as the key to getting it back.This is different from when someone actually said steal your data.
“We're actually entering a busy period for schools to experience this type of damage,” Gogolin said.
With grade submission deadlines and the end of the school year just days away, there can be pressure to resolve the hack and pay for it, he explained.
He added that wealthier neighborhoods are popular targets because attackers know they have the resources to profit from.
To minimize the impact, Gogolin advises districts to prioritize faculty and staff regarding phishing emails and use advanced email filtering. Additionally, he said high-tech security is a must if a school district uses its own email system.
He said teachers should keep copies of grades and curriculum resources off school computers if possible. Students should also keep copies of recent assignments at home.
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