RansomHub Ransomware Breach Exposes 20GB of Data at UK Primary School
RansomHub Ransomware Attack on Martins Wood Primary School
Martins Wood Primary School, a prominent educational institution in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, has recently fallen victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the cybercriminal group RansomHub. The attack, discovered on August 19, resulted in the exfiltration and subsequent leak of 20GB of sensitive data from the school's website, martinswood.herts.sch.uk.
About Martins Wood Primary School
Martins Wood Primary School serves approximately 607 students aged 2 to 11 years and operates under the Ivy Learning Trust. The school is known for its commitment to creating an enriching learning environment, supported by impressive facilities and a dedicated staff. With a capacity for 780 pupils, the school emphasizes inclusivity and supports families from diverse backgrounds, as evidenced by the significant proportion of students eligible for free school meals.
Attack Overview
The ransomware attack on Martins Wood Primary School was executed by RansomHub, a relatively new but increasingly notorious ransomware group. The attack led to the compromise of 20GB of data, which was subsequently leaked on RansomHub's dark web site. The data breach has raised significant concerns about the security measures in place at educational institutions, particularly those catering to young children.
About RansomHub
RansomHub is a ransomware group believed to have roots in Russia, operating as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) entity. Affiliates of the group receive 90% of the ransom payments, with the remaining 10% going to the main group. RansomHub has targeted various sectors across multiple countries, including the US, Brazil, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Their ransomware strains are written in Golang, a programming language gaining popularity among cybercriminals for its efficiency and versatility.
Penetration and Vulnerabilities
While the specific method of penetration used by RansomHub in this attack remains unclear, common vulnerabilities in educational institutions include outdated software, insufficient cybersecurity training, and inadequate network defenses. These weaknesses can be exploited by sophisticated ransomware groups like RansomHub, leading to significant data breaches and operational disruptions.
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