Florida Schools Struggle After Ransomware Infects Networks
Monroe School District, located in Key West, Florida is attempting to restore their computer systems after the ransomware variant GandCrab infected its systems earlier this week. On Sunday a member of the school staff noticed something was off with their networks. They contacted the IT department promptly for proper investigation. After 48 hours, the infection was believed to be contained. However, an hour after connecting devices to the network, issues arose again. As of yesterday afternoon, the school’s systems were still down.
Symantec Failed
Pat Lefere, executive director of operations and planning for the district, reported their current security solution had failed them. He stated to the Miami Herald,
“This particular one was a variant that Symantec hadn’t seen before.”
This is highly concerning since the public has been aware of this particular ransomware variant since July. Due to the awareness of this malicious variant, Symantec should have updated its blacklist to prevent consumers from falling victim. Clearly, that did not happen.
Other Ransomware Attacks
For a list of ransomware attacks that have already taken place in 2018, you may click here. We have also created a map, see below, of the ransomware attacks that have taken place in the U.S.
