Ransomware attacks put sensitive student data at serious risk – and have surged in recent years. 419 incidents have been recorded since 2018, affecting over 8000 educational establishments and exposing 6.7 million private records.
Schools and universities often face challenges like outdated security measures and limited IT budgets, making them prime targets for cybercriminals looking to steal data. The consequences of these attacks go beyond financial losses; they disrupt learning, compromise personally identifiable information, and could even lead to legal repercussions.
This guide will show you how to prevent ransomware attacks, and how to protect student data. By following these steps, you can increase your institutions’ data security, mitigate cyber threats, and ensure compliance with regulations and federal laws.
Why Ransomware Attacks Target Schools
Ransomware is a type of malware (malicious software) that encrypts data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attackers. In the education sector, ransomware attacks can cripple access to essential data, disrupt daily operations, and put student and staff information at risk.
- Outdated Systems: Many educational institutions run on older hardware and software that lack the latest security updates, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
- Limited IT Budgets: Schools often operate with tight budgets, which can restrict investments in advanced cybersecurity measures and staff training.
- High Value of Data: Student records, personal information, and financial data are highly valuable to cybercriminals, making schools lucrative targets.
7 Steps to Prevent Ransomware
1. Strengthen Endpoint Security
Endpoints, such as laptops and smartphones, are common entry points for ransomware. Strengthening endpoint security is critical to preventing these data breaches.
- Implement Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software: Ensure that all devices connected to the school’s network have up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software installed. This helps detect and block malicious software before it can do any harm.
- Use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): EDR solutions provide continuous monitoring and response capabilities for all endpoints. They help identify suspicious activities, such as unusual file access patterns, and respond in real-time to mitigate threats.
- Enforce Device Compliance: Ensure that all devices meet minimum security compliance standards before connecting to the network. This includes having the latest security updates, proper configuration, and necessary security tools installed.
2. Data Backups and Recovery
Ransomware attacks often involve encrypting critical data and demanding payment for its release. Regular backups and a solid data recovery plan are essential defenses against such scenarios.
- Automated Backups: Set up automated backups for all important data, ensuring that these backups are performed regularly and stored securely offsite, or with cloud storage. Offsite backups are crucial because ransomware can also target locally connected storage.
- Test Recovery Plans: It’s not enough to just have backups; you must also regularly test your data recovery process to ensure it works as expected. Simulate ransomware attacks to practice restoring data from backups, and refine the process based on these tests.
- Versioning: Use backup systems that support versioning, allowing you to restore previous versions of files that may have been corrupted or encrypted during an attack.
3. Implement Access Controls
Controlling who can access sensitive data and systems is a crucial step in preventing ransomware attacks. By limiting access, you reduce the chances of unauthorized users gaining entry and deploying malware.
- Least Privilege Access: Implement the principle of least privilege by granting access only to those who need it for their roles. For example, students shouldn’t have access to administrative data, and faculty should only access the data necessary for their courses.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require MFA for accessing critical systems and sensitive data. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple methods, such as a password and a verification code sent to their mobile devices.
- Regularly Review Permissions: Conduct periodic reviews of user permissions to ensure that access levels are appropriate and revoke access for those who no longer need it. This prevents former students or staff from retaining access to sensitive systems.
4. Automate Software Updates
Outdated software and systems are prime targets for ransomware attacks, as they often contain vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Keeping everything updated is a straightforward yet highly effective defense measure.
- Regular Patching: Ensure that all operating systems, applications, and devices are regularly updated with the latest security patches. Establish a patch management schedule to keep track of updates and ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Use Secure Configurations: Follow best practices for configuring systems securely. Disable unnecessary services, change default passwords, and use secure protocols for communication. This reduces the attack surface and makes it harder for ransomware to infiltrate your network.
- Automation: Enable automatic updates for software and devices to minimize the risk of forgetting to apply critical patches. This is particularly important for frequently used applications like web browsers, which are common targets for attackers.
5. Deploy Network Segmentation
Network segmentation involves dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments, which can limit the spread of ransomware if an attack occurs. This approach helps contain the damage and protects critical data even if one part of the network is compromised.
- Segment Critical Data: Separate sensitive data, such as student records, from less critical systems. By isolating critical data, you reduce the risk of it being affected if ransomware infiltrates other parts of the network.
- Use Firewalls and Access Controls: Deploy internal firewalls and strict access controls between network segments to further increase data protection. Only allow communication between segments when necessary and monitor these interactions closely.
- Monitor Network Traffic: Implement network monitoring tools to detect unusual patterns of traffic that could indicate a ransomware attack. This can include spikes in data transfers or attempts to access restricted areas of the network.
6. Develop an Incident Response Plan
An incident response plan is essential for minimizing the damage of a ransomware attack and quickly restoring normal operations. A well-prepared response can prevent panic, streamline recovery efforts, and reduce downtime.
- Create a Response Team: Assemble a dedicated incident response team that includes members from IT, security, administration, and communications. This team should be trained to handle ransomware attacks and understand their specific roles during an incident.
- Define Clear Steps: Outline a clear, step-by-step process for responding to ransomware attacks. This should include immediate actions like isolating infected systems, notifying key stakeholders, and assessing the scope of the attack.
- Regular Drills and Updates: Conduct regular drills to practice your response plan and refine it based on lessons learned. Keep the plan updated to reflect new threats, changes in your IT environment, and feedback from past exercises.
7. Consult with Cybersecurity Providers
Schools and universities often lack the specialized expertise needed to combat sophisticated ransomware threats. Partnering with security experts can provide the advanced cybersecurity solutions and guidance necessary to defend against attacks.
- Get Managed Security Services: Engage with managed security service providers (MSSPs) who specialize in protecting educational institutions. MSSPs can offer services like continuous monitoring, threat detection, and incident response support, all tailored to the needs of schools.
- Regular Security Audits: Work with security experts to conduct regular audits of your systems and practices. These audits can identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited, allowing you to address them proactively.
- Access to Advanced Tools: Security experts have access to advanced tools and insights that are often out of reach for internal IT teams. Making use of their knowledge can help you mitigate emerging threats and strengthen your overall security posture.
Get Specialized Cybersecurity for Schools
Ransomware attacks pose a significant threat to educational institutions, but proactive steps can help secure student data and maintain a safe digital learning environment.
The cybersecurity experts at Davenport Group can implement and manage the solutions needed to prevent ransomware attacks before they strike. As a specialized provider of IT services for educational institutions, we have the industry expertise needed to deliver the right support and solutions quickly and effectively. Reach out to us for a free consultation.
