A recent FBI report (FBI Flash Alert) indicates that a growing number of ransomware attacks are targeting educational institutions. Ransomware is a cyber extortion threat in which bad actors lock down important campus systems and demand money to restore them.

It is all too easy to make an innocent mistake and set ransomware in motion. One preventive mantra might be: Stop. Think. Connect.

Inside Higher Ed has noted that awareness of this type of extortion tactic is an important defense. We recommend that Illinois Wesleyan faculty and staff complete the Safe Colleges cyber security training that was sent out in early February.

As always, please reach out to your colleagues in IT Services if you have questions or concerns.