The number of ransomware attacks against higher learning institutions is growing, The National Law Review reports. Additionally, the total ransom sums continues to exceed the estimated fee range from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center from 2015, suggesting "that ransom fees may continue to increase," the report states. "Campus IT networks are generally of open-nature with broad use of social media by students and employees," said Jackson Lewis P.C. Principal Monica Khetarpal. "Further, there are often limited network controls in place, compared with other targeted industries. As a result, campus networks are both vulnerable and enticing for hackers." Preparation is key to avoid a ransomware attack. "These institutions must take steps to plan for and respond to such attacks appropriately in the unfortunate event that they occur," the report adds.
Full Story: http://www.natlawreview.com/article/increasing-ransomware-attacks-higher-education
Hot off the presses! This month's edition of the SANS "Ouch!" cyber security newsletter focuses on "Social Engineering". Social Engineering isn't a new concept - it's been happening since the dawn of time - but now the cyber criminals have learned the tricks. So if you've wondered why you're getting phone calls from "Microsoft Security" or emails from our president asking you to transfer large sums of money, this edition of Ouch will explain it. The article was written by James Lyne, a certified SANS instructor and Global Head of Research at Sophos and is definitely worth a read. As always feel free to circulate this newsletter to your family, friends and colleagues. Here's the link:OUCH-201701_SocialEngineering.pdf