Thepandemicand shift toward online learning have only boosted the stakes.

For the study, researchers gathered information on all of the documented ransomware attacksaffecting schools since 2018.

But the study notes that many attacks still go unreported, especially when ransoms are paid.

It’s often only when classes are disrupted or student information is compromised that schools make the attacks public.

A handful of ransomware attacks against schools grabbed headlines in 2021.

After the district declined to pay, they dumped the data online.

Also in March, anattack against the Maricopa County Community Colleges Districtin Arizona affected nearly 200,000 students.

So far this year, the researchers say 2022 has been a quieter year forransomware attacksagainst schools.