The Des Moines Public School District recently revealed more details about the ransomware cyber attack which occurred on January 9th, 2023. Interim Superintendent Matt Smith disclosed that the incident resulted in the exposure of data, but declined to elaborate on the nature of the information. Smith also mentioned that threat actors are monitoring the situation, and those affected by the data breach will be notified with a letter and offered monitoring services at no cost.

The attack forced the Des Moines Public School District to cancel classes for two days and left buildings without wi-fi for almost two weeks after classes resumed. Smith reported that classroom activity is now back to normal. The district is currently in the process of renewing the data that was exposed.

Ransomware Attacks on School Districts

I recently sat down with Chris Close, a leading cybersecurity expert at Cyber Sleuth Security, to discuss the importance of preventing ransomware attacks on school districts.

"Ransomware attacks on school districts have been on the rise in recent years," said Close. "It's critical that school districts take the necessary steps to protect themselves. One of the most important steps is to ensure that all software and operating systems are kept up to date."

When asked what other measures should be taken to prevent ransomware attacks, Close said, "School districts should also consider investing in a good cyber security solution that includes malware protection and regular vulnerability scans. Additionally, they should ensure all staff are trained on proper cyber security protocols and best practices."

Close also stressed the importance of having a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plan in place. "Having a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plan can help minimize the damage caused by a ransomware attack, as it can help you quickly restore your systems and data if you're ever hit with a ransomware attack," he said.

Finally, Close emphasized the importance of educating students and staff on cybersecurity best practices. "It's important to make sure everyone understands the risks associated with cyber security, and how to protect themselves," he said. "This education is key to preventing ransomware attacks in school districts."

 

Source:

Des Moines Schools Say Data Was Compromised in Cyber Attack