Why Schools Are the Latest Target of “Fog” Ransomware—And How to Stay Protected
Imagine starting a regular school day, only to discover that student records, staff payroll systems, and even campus security cameras are locked. Teachers can’t access lesson plans, administrators can’t process enrollments, and IT teams are scrambling to figure out what went wrong. This nightmare scenario has become reality for multiple U.S. school districts recently targeted by a dangerous new strain of ransomware called “Fog,” which exploits stolen virtual private network (VPN) credentials to infiltrate networks.
What Makes “Fog” Different?
Most ransomware attacks rely on phishing emails or malicious downloads to breach systems. Fog, however, takes a stealthier approach. Cybercriminals behind this campaign are actively targeting poorly secured VPNs—tools widely used by schools to allow remote access for staff and students. By stealing or guessing weak VPN passwords, attackers slip into networks undetected, often lurking for days or weeks to map systems, escalate privileges, and deploy ransomware across critical infrastructure.
Once inside, Fog encrypts files and leaves a ransom note demanding payment in cryptocurrency for decryption keys. What’s particularly alarming is its focus on disrupting operations. Unlike attacks that merely lock data, Fog has been observed sabotaging backup systems and deleting recovery options, making it harder for victims to restore files without paying up.
Why Are Schools Vulnerable?
Educational institutions are attractive targets for several reasons:
1. Limited cybersecurity budgets: Many schools prioritize funding for classrooms over IT security, leaving outdated software or unpatched vulnerabilities.
2. High reliance on remote access: The shift to hybrid learning post-pandemic increased VPN usage, but not all schools updated security protocols. Shared accounts or default passwords are common.
3. Sensitive data: Schools store Social Security numbers, financial aid details, and medical records—all lucrative for identity theft if leaked.
4. Pressure to pay quickly: Prolonged system downtime disrupts learning and operations, pushing administrators to consider paying ransoms.
A recent incident in a Midwestern school district highlights the risks. Attackers used a compromised VPN account belonging to a retired staff member (whose credentials were never revoked) to infiltrate the network. Within 72 hours, Fog ransomware had encrypted databases for transportation, cafeteria services, and emergency communications. The district refused to pay the $1.2 million ransom but spent weeks rebuilding systems from incomplete backups.
How “Fog” Exploits VPN Weaknesses
VPNs are designed to create secure connections, but misconfigurations or poor password hygiene can turn them into entry points. Here’s how Fog operators exploit these gaps:
– Credential stuffing: Using passwords leaked in previous breaches to access VPNs.
– Brute-force attacks: Automated tools guess weak passwords like “Password123” or “Spring2024.”
– Exploiting unpatched VPN software: Outdated versions may have known vulnerabilities.
– Social engineering: Phishing emails trick staff into revealing login details.
Once inside, attackers disable security tools, move laterally to high-value servers, and deploy ransomware. Some variants also steal data before encryption, threatening to leak sensitive information if the ransom isn’t paid—a tactic known as “double extortion.”
Steps to Protect Your Institution
Proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of a Fog ransomware attack:
1. Strengthen VPN Security
– Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all VPN users. Even if passwords are stolen, MFA adds a critical layer of protection.
– Regularly audit VPN accounts. Remove access for former employees or inactive users.
– Update VPN software immediately when patches are released.
2. Train Staff on Cyber Hygiene
– Teach employees to recognize phishing attempts (e.g., suspicious links in emails claiming to be from IT).
– Ban password reuse across accounts. Encourage the use of password managers.
– Simulate ransomware drills to test incident response plans.
3. Segment Networks
Isolate critical systems (e.g., student databases, financial servers) from general networks. This limits how far ransomware can spread if a breach occurs.
4. Back Up Relentlessly—and Test Backups
Maintain offline backups stored in a separate location. Regularly test restoration processes to ensure backups aren’t corrupted.
5. Partner with Cybersecurity Experts
Many schools lack in-house IT expertise. Collaborating with third-party firms can help implement 24/7 network monitoring, threat detection, and rapid response protocols.
The Bigger Picture: A Call for Systemic Change
While individual schools can take steps to harden defenses, the education sector’s ransomware crisis reflects broader systemic issues. Limited federal funding for K-12 cybersecurity, inconsistent state-level regulations, and a lack of cybersecurity training for administrators all contribute to the problem.
Organizations like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have released free resources tailored to schools, including vulnerability scanning and incident response guides. Lawmakers are also pushing for bills that would allocate grants for school cybersecurity upgrades. However, progress has been slow compared to the escalating threat.
Final Thoughts
The rise of Fog ransomware underscores a harsh truth: schools are no longer “small fish” in the eyes of cybercriminals. By exploiting VPN vulnerabilities, attackers have found a low-effort, high-reward way to disrupt education—a sector vital to communities.
Protecting schools requires a mix of technology upgrades, ongoing training, and advocacy for better funding. As one IT director put it after surviving a Fog attack: “We didn’t think it would happen to us until it did. Now, every dollar we spend on prevention feels like a bargain compared to the cost of rebuilding.” Let’s hope more institutions learn this lesson before it’s too late.
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