Social security numbers and addresses possibly exposed in Akira attack on school system

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (WAFB) – The Louisiana Special School District has announced that personal information including social security numbers, medical information and addresses may have been accessed in a ransomware attack.

Superintendent David Martin acknowledged for the first time on Wednesday, July 3, that the school system had fallen victim to an attack by a ransomware gang known as Akira. The group rose to prominence in 2023 and has since attacked businesses across the United States, according to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Martin wrote that there was no evidence that files were copied, but urged potential victims to protect themselves. He wrote that notifications will be sent to those potentially affected, including former employees, starting July 8.

Anyone concerned that their information may have been exposed is encouraged to email the school system at [email protected].

Martin said it was unfortunate that the group was able to attack the school system’s files using “brute force,” adding that outside contractors were hired to implement appropriate security measures ahead of the attack.

WAFB first reported on the attack in May, just days after it occurred. Authorities at the time were reluctant to release any information about the incident or confirm whether confidential information had been stolen.

The Special School District oversees the schools for the deaf and visually impaired, both of which are located in Baton Rouge.

Read Martin’s letter below, where he describes the steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft.

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