In April 2021, sensitive data from students and staff at over six universities—including transcripts, medical records, Social Security numbers, and employment contracts—was leaked on the dark web, with one institution facing a $17 million ransom demand. The breach, affecting at least 300 organizations, highlights the growing cybersecurity risks in higher education during the pandemic. Cyberattacks on educational institutions surged by 30 percent in the six months following the shift to online learning in March 2020, compared to 6.5 percent across all sectors, underscoring the urgent need for stronger security measures.

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