Samuel Ryder Academy Targeted by Vicesociety Ransomware Group

Victim Profile

Samuel Ryder Academy, a primary school located in St Albans, Hertfordshire, serves a community of 4,500 pupils. As part of the Scholars' Education Trust, which oversees six schools in the region, Samuel Ryder Academy is committed to delivering high-quality education with a strong emphasis on science. This commitment is evidenced by their recent search for a Lead of Science.

Vulnerabilities and Impact

The ransomware attack on Samuel Ryder Academy has significantly disrupted the school's digital infrastructure, rendering email services inaccessible for staff for an extended period. The extent of data compromise, including the potential theft of personal information belonging to students or staff, remains unclear. Similarly, it is unknown whether a ransom demand has been made by the attackers. This incident is indicative of a broader trend, as UK educational institutions have increasingly become targets for cybercriminals, particularly in the post-Covid-19 era.

Response and Mitigation

In response to the rising threat against educational entities, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has revised its guidance for schools, universities, and other educational organizations. This updated guidance focuses on preventative measures against cyberattacks and strategies for managing the consequences of a breach. The NCSC has made a strong recommendation for educational institutions to adhere to this guidance to minimize disruptions to educational activities. Additionally, the NCSC advocates for the adoption of its early warning system by organizations to monitor and respond to malicious network activities promptly.

The ransomware attack on Samuel Ryder Academy serves as a stark reminder of the cybersecurity challenges facing UK schools today. It emphasizes the critical need for educational institutions to enhance their cybersecurity defenses and to develop robust incident response strategies.

Sources

• Tech Monitor: UK schools cyberattack: Scholars' Education Trust hit by ransomware
• Hackmageddon: 1-15 January 2023 Cyber Attacks Timeline