Ransomware Attack on The De Montfort School

The De Montfort School, an educational institution operating in the UK, has been targeted by the ransomware group Vicesociety. The attack was announced on the group's dark web leak site, and the victim's website is currently under scrutiny. The school is part of the education sector, which has seen a significant increase in cyber threats, including a 20% rise in cyber threats in 2020 and an 800% increase in web application attacks against UK businesses in the first half of 2020.

The De Montfort School's website does not provide detailed information about the size of the institution or its unique features in the education sector. However, it is known that the school is part of the Worcestershire County Council, which has been working to improve its cybersecurity measures. The school's website also features a section on cybersecurity, indicating that they are aware of the risks and are taking steps to mitigate them.

The vulnerabilities that made The De Montfort School a target for ransomware attacks are not explicitly stated in the search results. However, common vulnerabilities that ransomware groups exploit include unpatched software, weak passwords, and lack of employee training on cybersecurity best practices. It is essential for educational institutions to prioritize cybersecurity to protect their data and the sensitive information of their students and staff.

Sources

• CISA: Stop Ransomware - CISA
• CISA: StopRansomware Guide | CISA
• TDM Group: Spread of cybercrime | TDM Group
• Financial Times: Can you negotiate your way out of a ransomware attack? - Financial Times
• Tessian: 18 Examples of Ransomware Attacks - Updated 2022 - Tessian