Millions of Student Data at Risk in Major Cyber Attack!
Reports have surfaced online of a significant data breach involving millions of students in the US. The hacker behind the attack is demanding a ransom in Bitcoin to prevent the leak of sensitive information. This security breach appears to be part of a larger attack targeting a cloud database.
Cyber Attack on Educational Institutions
Recently, two educational institutions in the US were put on high alert after receiving a warning about a potential data breach. An individual known as Sp1d3r came forward claiming to have accessed the information of over 4 million students from the US. The hacker alleges that the data was sourced from Los Alamos Public Schools and Edgenuity, an online learning platform.
- The hacker specifically targeted Edgenuity and LASchools.net’s Snowflake accounts.
- The hacked data includes sensitive information of students.
- It is vital to note the discrepancy between Los Angeles Schools and Los Alamos Public Schools.
Hacker Demands Millions in Bitcoin
According to reports by Bloomberg, a cloud-based data analytics company, Snowflake, experienced a series of targeted cyberattacks on users without 2-factor authentication (2AF). These cybercriminals are now threatening Snowflake clients, demanding hefty payments ranging from $300,000 to $5 million to prevent the release of stolen data.
- Sp1d3r, the hacker, has demanded a payment of 30 Bitcoin (around $2 million) to prevent the public disclosure of the students’ information.
- The stolen data includes personal details of millions of students and their parents.
- Information such as names, addresses, financial data, grades, and medical records have been compromised.
Hacker Makes Millions through Cyber Crimes
Google’s Madiant security team has linked the attack on Snowflake’s database to the “UNC5537” hacking group. Investigation results suggest that this group, alongside another group named “Scattered Spider,” could be responsible for these attacks. The cybercriminals, believed to be young adults based in the US and the UK, specialize in data theft and extortion.
- One alleged member of the hacking group was recently apprehended in Spain.
- A British national, suspected of leading Scattered Spider, was arrested in Palma de Mallorca.
- The detained individual had accumulated approximately 400 Bitcoin, valued at $27 million, by selling stolen information.
Closing Thoughts on Cyber Security Threats
It is crucial to remain vigilant against cyber threats, especially in an era where data breaches are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. By adopting robust security measures and staying informed about potential risks, individuals and organizations can protect themselves from falling victim to cybercriminal activities.
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