Higher education institutions suffering from ransomware attacks is nothing new. However, as institutions shift to distance learning, the attack surface is much greater, giving malicious actors greater opportunity. Institutions have a plethora of data – student assignments, academic research, administration and admission files, and alumni relations materials. The amount of data institutions have is incredible and increasing – making them prime targets for ransomware attacks. Ransomware not only creates an issue for institutions by restricting access to critical systems and data, but it also can expose students’ personal information, such as Social Security numbers, passports, and banking details.
