A ransomware attack on Alamo Heights ISD compromised sensitive data of over 26,000 people. Experts share important steps to prevent identity theft and fraud.
SAN ANTONIO — A recent ransomware attack on Alamo Heights ISD exposed the personal information of up to 26,000 people, and cybersecurity experts are urging anyone affected to take steps now to protect themselves from identity theft.
According to technology company Check Point Software, schools are the No. 1 target for cyberattacks because of the large amount of sensitive personal information they store.
When Alamo Heights ISD reported the data breach to the Texas Office of the Attorney General, the district said Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers and financial information belonging to more than 26,000 people were accessed and may have been downloaded.
Cindi Carter, chief information security officer for Check Point Software, said the breach places those affected at a higher risk of identity theft and financial fraud.
To help protect personal information, Carter recommends changing passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication on online accounts and freezing credit with the major credit bureaus.
“If somebody attempts to open a line of credit on your behalf with maybe some of the information that was obtained during the cyberattack, those credit agencies are going to then contact you to ensure that you, in fact, are really the one wanting to open this line of credit,” Carter said. “So, freezing that credit is important.”
Carter also advises people to be cautious of phishing emails, which often attempt to trick recipients into revealing personal information or login credentials. She recommends reporting suspicious emails instead of responding to them.
The cybersecurity recommendations come after thousands of parents, students and recent graduates connected to Alamo Heights ISD were urged to monitor and protect their personal information following the ransomware attack.
