World's Most Prolific Cybercriminals Target Special Needs School | August 2, 2023
Channel: Hacking Space Frontier
Date: 2023-08-03

The LockBit ransomware group, a highly active cybercrime organization, is attempting to extort West Oaks School, a special needs school in Leeds, England. The school was targeted on the gang's darknet site, demanding a ransom payment within two weeks, threatening to release stolen data if not paid.

West Oaks School caters to children with various special needs, and the extent of data theft or network encryption is unclear. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has previously warned educational establishments about ransomware attacks, though the Department for Education denies evidence of an increase.

LockBit is known for being the most deployed ransomware variant globally, operating as a Ransomware-as-a-Service model, where affiliates conduct attacks, and the main gang takes a cut of the earnings.

In the past, LockBit offered a decryptor to a hospital it attacked, but recovery efforts still proved challenging and time-consuming. This incident highlights the growing threat of ransomware attacks on schools and emphasizes the importance of strong cybersecurity measures and preparedness in educational institutions.