College and University Readiness and Response to Recent Ransomware Attacks in the United States

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

This paper presents a review of recent ransomware attacks on colleges and universities in the United States. The goal is to offer an understanding of these institutions’ responses post-attack within a theoretical framework of organizational and human decision-making in crises. Comparisons are offered by institution types such as public versus private, metropolitan versus rural, predominantly White versus HBCU or HSI, more research focused versus more teaching focused. Over 37 attacks are included and profiles were created from available reports. The information is qualitatively organized to identify patterns in attacks across types of institutions. The results indicate that less prepared institutions were more likely to entertain paying a ransom and evidenced less transparency regarding the attack. The results have implications for proactive steps regarding defense against cyberattacks and the type of leadership decision-making that is necessary to limit damage and be resilient during and post a ransomware cyberattack.

Authors

• Camille Gibson, Prairie View A&M University

• Zian Richmond, Prairie View A&M University