Virginia School District Open Despite Lockbit Ransomware Attack

Fauquier County Public Schools in Virginia successfully defended against a ransomware attack by the LockBit gang. The attack occurred on September 12 and the school district immediately engaged cybersecurity experts and notified law enforcement agencies. The LockBit ransomware gang claimed responsibility for the attack and demanded an undisclosed ransom, but the impact on student and staff information was minimal, and the school district has remained fully operational. They have since been fully operational and do not believe any personal information was compromised. Ransomware groups often target schools during critical times such as the start or end of the school year. The LockBit gang remains active and has recently targeted various organizations, including a major hospital network in New York.