A new report finds that ransomware attacks on K-12 schools and colleges have skyrocketed. The number of attacks more than doubled in 2023, according to Comparitech.
The report also found that the cost of ransomware attacks on schools has increased significantly. Schools paid an average of $36,247 to resolve ransomware attacks in 2023, up from $28,000 in 2022.
The impact of ransomware attacks on schools can be devastating. These attacks can disrupt operations, cancel classes, and lead to the loss of important data.
In an effort to address the growing threat of ransomware attacks, the U.S. government passed the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022. This law requires certain entities, including schools and hospitals, to report cyberattacks to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
CISA is working to help schools and colleges improve their cybersecurity posture. The agency has developed a number of resources, including a ransomware preparedness guide and a cybersecurity toolkit.