Officials say a data security breach at a Tennessee community college might just have resulted in a sensitive data breach of previous and present students, instructors, and employees.
In 2021, educational institutions are expected to experience a record number of ransomware attacks, with K-12 schools being the top targets. Productive one-device-per-student and learn-from-anywhere programs have increased the attack surface for numerous cyber risks while improving educational achievements.
Ransomware is a type of destructive software created by coordinated cybercriminals, often known as "bad actors, "A hacker employs software, which is generally transmitted via phishing emails, to encrypt or prevent access to information systems and documents in a ransomware assault. The victim is told that the only option to regain access is to pay a ransom or a set amount of money.
Officials say a data security breach at a Tennessee community college might just have resulted in unauthorized private data of previous and present students, instructors, and employees being breached. The Tennessee Board of Regents said in a press release, “Pellissippi State Community College is issuing out notices regarding a ransomware attack aimed primarily at encrypting school data in order to extort a ransom payment.” According to the Knoxville college's website, Pellissippi State did not pay a ransom.
According to the board, which governs the state's community colleges, the college's core database and online payment systems have not been infected, and no data from such networks was accessed by unauthorized individuals. Officials believe a data leak at a Tennessee community college may have exposed the personal information of former and current students, professors, and workers to the public.
Schools have become increasingly subject to security concerns and potential assaults as a result of the buzz of new technology required to enable the move to remote learning as a reaction to the growing health issue.
New applications, patching delays, and security measures falling short of mark have added complexity and risks to situations where security had previously been a last-minute consideration. These flaws constitute a serious risk if they are exploited.
As per the experts, absolute research is significant because it evaluates how virtual learning disruption, particularly new technology adoption, has enabled new attack avenues for bad actors and hackers.
