Companies and their employees are often prime targets for cybersecurity attacks. However, universities, including faculty, staff, and students, are becoming increasingly targeted by ransomware and other cybersecurity threats. The education sector is not immune — and more than ever before, it’s time to prioritize data protection.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware program that infects or takes control of a system and demand a ransom to undo it. This malware can be disguised in a malicious email attachment and once this is open the ransom attack is implemented.
In 2016 these attacks on higher education was at 13%. In recent years that number has increased .1 Looking at 2019, here is a list of some colleges that’s been affected by ransomware attacks: 2
- Oberlin College – Ohio – The ransom demand was for 1 bitcoin per student (approx. $3,800). The number of ransoms paid is unclear.
- Grinnell College – Iowa – The ransom demand was for 1 bitcoin per student (approx. $3,800). The number of ransoms paid is unclear.
- Hamilton College – New York – The ransom demand was for 1 bitcoin per student (approx. $3,800). The number of ransoms paid is unclear.
- Monroe College Technology – The ransom was for $2 million in Bitcoin to restore access.
Universities must recognize these risks and implement cybersecurity processes throughout the entire organization. That’s where Lenovo ThinkShield comes in.
Meet Lenovo Thinkshield
ThinkShield is a portfolio of secure hardware, software, and services. There are several features within ThinkShield that ensures information is protected.
Winnagic
Winmagic ensures that data is protected and in compliance, to implementing an encryption strategy across the enterprise.
Password Security
Password security is another feature that is embedded within this portfolio. Utilizing biometric based passwords is one way to prevent hackers from stealing user IDs and password credentials and gaining access to the system. Another feature in ThinkShield’s portfolio is the System Management Password, which allows I.T administrators of the organization to offer bios-level passwords for faculty and staff without giving up supervisor control.
Lenovo Data Protection by Carbonite
Data Protection is a main concern during a ransomware attack. Lenovo Thinkshield data protection feature ensures back up is accessible. Lenovo Data Protection by Carbonite ensures that data is automatically backed up and can be recovered. Utilizing this feature reduced the impact of ransomware attacks because it allows users to have access to backup data.
In conclusion, leveraging tools within the Lenovo Thinkshield portfolio could help universities avoid a ransomware attack or mitigate the impact. Lenovo’s ThinkShield offerings can be implemented throughout the whole university to help ensure data is protected and safe.
To learn more: http://bit.ly/ThinkShield
About the Author: Katia Dean, M.S. is a pet mom, public speaker, an engineer, and cybersecurity advocate. #voiceofcyberpros