"Ransomware Group Demands 500,000 Pounds From School"

Ransomware thieves are demanding 500,000 pounds after a ransomware attack against Wooton Upper School in Bedfordshire.  The ransomware attack was the work of the Hive ransomware group and also affected the Kimberley college for 16-19-year-olds.  Both of these organizations are part of the Wootton Academy Trust.  The Hive ransomware group reportedly messaged students and parents, informing them they had compromised the Trust’s networks several weeks ago.  The group stole home addresses, bank details, medical records, and even students’ psychological reviews.  In a recent update, the Trust said that the disruption to its operations was limited as it was winding down for the summer break.  However, it has affected scheduling for next year and the production of some grade sheets.   The ransomware gang has threatened to release all the stolen data unless the Trust pays the demanded ransom.  Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET and former head of digital forensics at Dorset Police, warned that even though the timing of the attack minimized disruption to the school, the potential release of stolen data was a bigger problem.  Moore noted that the data potentially stolen could be highly damaging to the local community.

Infosecurity reports: "Ransomware Group Demands 500,000 Pounds From School"