CARES Act

ALERT: Cyber actors cause disruptions to K-12 distance learning

December 14, 2020

As distance learning continues for educational institutions, so do cyber-attacks, which are causing disruptions to computer systems. Are your school computer systems secure?

As many K-12 educational institutions continue remote and distance learning, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) continue to receive reports of increased cyber-attacks causing disruptions.

What you need to know

In the attacks, malicious cyber actors target school computer systems rendering the systems inaccessible for basic functions. The attacks are expected to continue through the 2020/2021 academic school year. Educational leadership, informational technology and security personnel are encouraged to balance the risk when determining cybersecurity investments.

Read more about the threats and how to mitigate the risk in this CISA and FBI advisory, Cyber Actors Target K-12 Distance Learning Education to Cause Disruptions and Steal Data.

For more information

If you have additional questions regarding this or any topic regarding information security, contact Brian Johnson using his information below.

Brian Johnson

Senior Vice President
Technology Services

Brian joined AGH in 1992. He leads the firm’s technology services practice where he helps clients achieve measurable performance improvements through the delivery of specialized, competency-based information systems management, assurance, and advisory services. He has extensive experience in information security, network engineering, and solution development, with recognized specializations in governance, risk, control, and related consulting services.

Brian is a member of ISACA (previously known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association), the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants (KSCPA), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AICPA’s Information Management and Technology Assurance (IMTA) Section, and the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). He is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), and Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM).

Brian is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a graduate of Wichita State University, where he earned Master of Accountancy and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees.

Information in this document has been obtained by Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C. from sources believed to be reliable. However, AGH does not guarantee the accuracy nor completeness of any information. This communication does not and is not intended to provide legal, accounting or other professional advice or opinions on specific facts or matters, and accordingly, AGH assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with its use. Nothing in this communication can be used to avoid penalties that may be imposed by a governmental taxing authority or agency.

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