Computer security | Cybercriminals target many UK schools with ransomware

Dozens of schools have been hit hard Cyber ​​attack From Ransomware Almost impress 40,000 studentsAccording to the Harris Federation, an education charity. British educational NGO, which is 37,000 students In 50 primary and secondary schools London And EssexTold that he faced a computer attack “Impact on all our academies”.

“As it did in 2017 on the NHS, in local government and at least three other school groups in March alone, we have unfortunately been the target of a particularly vicious ransomware attack.”A spokesman said. Employees of the educational organization detected the attack on Saturday and spent the weekend trying to resolve it, although academies are still open.

In a statement to the parents, the organization said: “Ransomware attack means that cybercriminals have access to our IT systems and encrypt or hide their contents.”

Ransomware

Ransomware attack is a method of compromising documents and host systems with an encryption, where attackers ask for one “Rescue” To release files.

The affected NGO is working with a specialized company of consultants Cyber ​​technologyThe UK’s National Crime Agency and National Cyber ​​Security Center.

As a precautionary measure, academic phone and email systems have been temporarily suspended, along with any student-owned Harbor Federation equipment.

The UK’s National Cyber ​​Space Center published a warning warning that there has been a “high number” of these types of attacks since late February, and has also advised institutions to seek their advice Guide to reducing malware and ransomware attacks.

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