Breach, Risk Assessments/Management

Tennessee university impacted by ransomware attack

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Tennessee-based Austin Peay State University had its systems impacted by a ransomware attack on Wednesday, reports The Record, a news site by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. In a series of tweets, the school warned its students and faculty members to immediately shut down their computers and disconnect computers connected to its network. "The Universitys Information Technology staff are investigating the incident at this time and believes they have contained the threat. There are no plans to alter university schedules at this time, as today was the last day of classes. Tomorrow is a study day, with exams starting Friday," said Austin Peay State University Executive Director Bill Persinger. Austin Peay State University will be the 12th university or college across the U.S. hit by a ransomware attack this year, with 10 of the previous attacks involving data theft, according to Emsisoft Threat Analyst Brett Callow. Meanwhile, Recorded Future expert Allan Liska said that universities and colleges will be facing more attacks this year than in 2021. "Like primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities struggle and lack the budget and staff to properly secure themselves against the onslaught of ransomware attacks," said Liska.

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