“You can sell your stolen data.” Why attack cyber criminal schools

Blacksburg, va. (WDBJ) – In the past few months we have seen cyber security incidents in schools in the southwest of Virginia.

Last week our Target 7 team reported on an investigation at the Appomattox County public schools, and in September we reported on a data injury to the Floyd County Public School.

“Why do we see that? Because many schools do not have adequate cyber security, ”said Donna Wertalik, professor of Virginia Tech. She is a digital data protection expert and co-moderator for privacy votes.

In recent years, schools have become an easy goal for fraudsters and cyber criminals who want to steal data. It is an issue that happens nationwide.

“It is due to the financing, it is due to budgets that may not be able to cover it. It is also due to even administrators who are not related to the training in relation to, okay, what is this world? I came in to teach, and now I am dealing with cyber -online attacks that my students are at risk, and it is only another ball game these days, ”she said.

Sensitive information such as social security numbers, health files and financial information for pupils, employees and parents can all be at risk if school systems are hacked.

“You can sell your stolen data on the dark web or require ransom payments,” said Wertalik. “We see all parts of people from all parts of the world, of which she never thinks you have access to your data and is financially the biggest.”

Since many students use mobile phones, social media and other technologies, they have also become an aim.

“Yes, they may be persecuted in schools, but also on their telephones, and they are just all access points for students who make them amazing to chop themselves into a school,” she told WDBJ7.

How can you protect your family's sensitive data? Wertalik recommends monitoring your child's online activity. You can also apply for a confidential recording for your child in his school.

A number of free resources for schools and parents are available on voicesofprivacy.com.

Copyright 2025 WDBJ. All rights reserved.