Security

How Can Dual Ransomware Impact Higher Education Institutions?

Bad actors use secondary attacks to hit colleges and universities when they are already down.

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Adam Bertram is a 20-year IT veteran, blogger and freelance writer. Follow him on the social platform X @adbertram.

Ransomware attacks just got even nastier. Picture this: A university is hit by ransomware, and it’s scrambling to recover. Then, it happens again, often with a different malware strain. Welcome to the world of dual ransomware attacks.

Here are five things higher education IT professionals should understand about the questions surrounding dual ransomware attacks:

1. Why Are Bad Actors Doubling Down on Ransomware?

Dual ransomware is all about leverage and psychological pressure. Think of it as a one-two punch from a cyber thug. Attackers know that after the first hit, targets may be down and desperate. With a second attack, the pressure to pay quickly compounds. Scaling a ransomware attack could produce a big payday for bad actors.

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2. How Can Colleges Protect Themselves from Dual Ransomware?

While the basics of strong cyber hygiene still apply, the FBI emphasizes that certain tactics are especially crucial in the face of dual attacks, including network segmentation (to limit the spread of ransomware), patching (to close vulnerabilities) and least-privilege access (to give admins only the data they need to do their job).

3. What Are Some Unique Considerations for Higher Education?

Dual ransomware attacks present a heightened risk due to the sensitive nature of data and services that colleges and universities handle. Attacks that halt transportation services, classroom teaching and emergency response can endanger students and undermine trust in institutions. Beyond encrypting files, the FBI warns, attackers may steal data as leverage. Exposed student data is a nightmare scenario.

4. What Are the Hidden Costs of Ransomware Attacks?

Dual ransomware attacks can inflict lasting damage that goes far beyond the dollar figure of the ransoms. When systems grind to a halt, services stop and operations are paralyzed, universities can suffer direct financial and systemic consequences. In a worst-case scenario, institutions could face a new “data wiper” malware designed for maximum disruption, the FBI warns. These attacks can strain IT teams and crush morale across campus.

5. What Else Does the FBI Say About Dual Ransomware Attacks?

The FBI warns that attackers have added code to known data theft tools to escape detection. Also, malware containing data wipers may sit undetected for a period of time. The agency advises institutions to maintain offline data backups and encrypt them, and to remain vigilant for suspicious activity.

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