[BreachExchange] Lufkin ISD still down by a cyber-attack over the weekend

[Sophia Kingsbury]

https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/education/lufkin-isd-still-down-by-a-cyber-attack-over-the-weekend/501-c194130b-78f2-4a0a-a274-777d635b7df6

Cyber-attacks are starting to become more common in East Texas. The most
recent one happened in Angelina County.

In a statement released by Lufkin ISD, the district states:

"Due to a ransomware attack over the weekend, several of our systems are
down. Our cybersecurity program appears to have worked but we have to make
sure the data is not compromised. Until further notice, Skyward and the
internet will be down."

Communications Director at Lufkin ISD Sheila Adams says they're working
with computer companies to hopefully resolve the issue.

“We are working with the Dell forensics team. They've come down and one of
the first things that we are working on is to get all of our HVAC back
systems up and running,” said Adams.

This is the third ransomware attack to target an East Texas school
district. Nacogdoches, Whitehouse, and now Lufkin have become victims of
ransomware.

Doctor and assistant professor of computer science David Hull with UT Tyler
says it's due to the amount of time people have spent online through the
pandemic.

“Since the onset of COVID-19, the incidence of ransomware attacks has
skyrocketed,” said Dr. Hull. "People conduct much more of their lives and
spend schooling and business online. when you work online, you create what
we call new attack surfaces."

Cyber attacks can cause just the amount of damages it’s caused to other
corporations as well.

“The school would suffer financially, because you got to pay and you didn't
budget for that. The second is your system could be out of use for a
while,” Hull added.

"The third is the amount of compromise on the confidentiality of student
data," Hull continued. "The fourth is you might have undermined the
public's trust in your cybersecurity adequacy. It's a parade of horribles
that you really do want to avoid."

Professor Hull says cyber attacks are not always avoidable but can be when
you have a backup plan in place.

"Obviously, you need to backup your data," Hull said. "Another plan would
be to segment your network so that if somebody gets into one part of your
house, they can't get to the other part of the house, that requires better
cybersecurity training.”

Lufkin ISD did add to their statement sent to CBS19 stating:

“Dell engineers are on site working through the issue and we will keep our
parents updated through Remind and social media. We are being continually
updated through our technology department and will proceed with the
direction of the Dell engineers. Our fail-safe systems were in place and
seem to have done what they were supposed to do. Our HVAC system that was
affected is now up and running. We thank our staff, students and parents
for patience with these issues.”
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