Hackers attack Fairfax County schools by Maze ransomware

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), was recently hit by ransomware according to an official statement published on Friday evening. FCPS issued a statement Sept. 11 acknowledging that ransomware was placed on some of its technology systems. “We are taking this matter very seriously and are working diligently to address the issue,” FCPS states.

“We currently believe we may have been victimized by cybercriminals who have been connected to dozens of ransomware attacks in other school systems and corporations worldwide. We are coordinating with the FBI on the matter,” FCPS states.

“FCPS is committed to protecting the information of our students, our staff, and their families,” the school division added.

“We will work with law enforcement to the fullest extent to prosecute any individuals or groups that attack our systems.”

The data leaked by Maze contains information on some of the school district’s students, as well as administrative documents and what looks like an LSASS dump that can be used to extract Windows credentials. Maze ransomware is the one behind the new ransomware tactic of stealing victims’ files before encrypting systems and using them as leverage to pressure the victims into paying the ransoms.

No school, no matter how big or small, should assume that a cyber-attack will not happen to them. Waiting to instill cyber-security best practices can put the students, teachers, administrators, parents and the entire community at risk.

Reference:

https://www.fcps.edu/blog/fcps-statement-ransomware-investigation