Ransomware Attack on School District of Janesville

Overview of the Incident

The School District of Janesville, situated in Wisconsin, recently fell victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the group known as Hiveleak. This incident was disclosed on their dark web leak site. The district, which plays a pivotal role in the community by offering a plethora of services such as summer school, employment opportunities, and IT support, was targeted in October 2021.

Impact and Response

The ransomware attack led to the encryption of the district's servers and network resources, disrupting the operations and services relied upon by students, staff, and parents. Despite the attack, it was reported that no data was accessed or destroyed. In response, the School District of Janesville has engaged with the Wisconsin Division of Enterprise Technology, the FBI, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. These agencies are providing assistance in investigating the attack and facilitating the recovery of the affected systems.

Financial Implications and Insurance Coverage

One critical aspect of the district's response strategy includes leveraging its cyber insurance policy to offset the financial burden of the attack. The incident highlights the importance for educational institutions to thoroughly understand their insurance coverage and ensure it adequately protects against cyber threats.

Preventative Measures

The attack on the School District of Janesville serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of educational institutions to ransomware threats. It underscores the necessity for proactive measures, such as regular system backups, purging obsolete technology, and educating staff and students on the risks of phishing attempts.

Sources

• FBI Cyber Division. "Ransomware Awareness for Holidays and Weekends." Available at: https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2021/PSA210702
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "Stop Ransomware." Available at: https://www.cisa.gov/stopransomware
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. "School District of Janesville." Available at: https://dpi.wi.gov/