All cyberattacks can cause huge problems for a business, but ransomware is one of the most dangerous. It’s a threat that can strike anyone, but some industries are more vulnerable than others. Educational institutions are at risk and are often failing to stay ahead of cybercriminals. Some feel they have no option except to cave in and pay the ransom in order to regain access to their data.
Education – a Profitable Target
It’s been reported by Sophos that schools and universities are now regarded by cybercriminals as good targets for ransomware attacks, with the data they obtain fetching good prices on the black market. Chester Wisniewski, a Sophos senior researcher, has warned that ‘Schools are among those being hit the hardest by ransomware’. This might sound unlikely. We’re more used to hearing about large corporations becoming victims. According to Wisniewski, it’s because these ornanizations have an ‘overall lack of strong cybersecurity defenses’ and hold a ‘goldmine of personal data.’ Scary stuff – not just for schools but for anyone whose data is on their databases.
Why Ransomware Works So Well
You may be wondering why people pay up when their data is held to ransom. Usually it’s because they can’t maintain their operations if their data is unavailable. Most educational institutions deliver services and provide resources online, often via an intranet. If these are locked, classes and other educational activities simply can’t continue.
The Financial Impact
Ransomware attacks earn cybercriminals huge sums. The average amount victims have to pay out ranges from one to two million dollars. Worse, paying the cybercriminals isn’t a solution. The research conducted by Sophos suggested that, of the data stolen from educational institutions, only 61% is recovered. That creates extra expenses for educational institutions, as they have to devote time and money to reconstituting the missing data.
Anyone Can Become a Victim
All organizations should fear a ransomware attack. Every business, and especially those that hold large amounts of data and personal information, should be especially wary. It’s not just the prospect of having to pay out large sums of money to hackers. The disruption to operations, and potentially damage to an organization’s reputation, also need to be taken very seriously.
Protective Measures
Being proactive is the best way to protect yourself against ransomware attacks. It’s essential to implement strategies to protect your systems and the data you hold. As important is effective training for your staff, so they understand the risks and are alert to the signs of cybercriminal activity. We also recommend that you pay careful attention to vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure. These can often be caught early with proactive monitoring for imminent threats. Preventative measures are the only way to go if you want to stay one step ahead.
You need the best protection against ransomware you can get. Quikteks can assist. Our IT professionals are experts in cybersecurity, and can help you implement suitable protections, along with proactive monitoring of potential threats. We can provide you with the solutions that will give you the best chance of avoiding falling victim to a ransomware attack. For more information, call us at (973) 882-4644.