Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Suffers Ransomware Attack by Lockbit2

Company Overview

Dun & Bradstreet is a global leader in business data and analytics, offering a range of services to help businesses grow and thrive. Their offerings include credit risk management, supplier risk management, regulatory compliance, data cleaning and enrichment, and receivables management.

Vulnerabilities and Targeting

Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, have become increasingly attractive targets for ransomware attacks due to the valuable information they hold, such as personal and financial data, research data, and intellectual property. The COVID-19 pandemic has further expanded the threat landscape, with the shift to remote learning and increased digital connectivity making schools and colleges more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Response and Mitigation

In response to the attack, D&B has taken proactive measures to rebuild its systems in a clean environment, which has taken several days to restore. The company has also emphasized the importance of having a backup communications plan and regularly monitoring networks for potential threats.

Previous Attacks on the Education Sector

The education sector has seen a significant increase in ransomware attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of attacks rising by 77% in the first few months of 2020. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have issued warnings about the increased risk of ransomware attacks on K-12 schools during this period.

The ransomware attack on Dun & Bradstreet highlights the ongoing threat of cyberattacks on educational institutions and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information. As the education sector continues to rely on digital platforms for learning and communication, it is crucial for schools and colleges to strengthen their cybersecurity posture and implement best practices to mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks.

Sources

• Dun & Bradstreet - Accelerate Growth and Improve Business Performance
• Thousands of School Websites Went Down in a Cyberattack. It'll Happen Again Experts Say
• Ransomware Targeting Educational Institutions - FSA Partner Connect
• Rise of Ransomware Attacks on the Education Sector During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Responding to Ransomware Attacks - Protecting Student Privacy