Minnesota Department of Education Data Breach

June 21, 2023
James McGill
Minnesota Department of Education data breach
MDE data breach
MOVEit file transfer service breach
C10p ransomware gang
Cybersecurity in education
Protecting student data
Impact of data breaches in education
Student data security
Parent and educator information exposed
Minnesota Department of Education Data Breach

Introduction

On June 9, 2023, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) announced that it had been the victim of a data breach. The breach exposed the personal information of over 1 million Minnesotans, including students, parents, and educators.

What Happened

The breach was caused by a cyberattack on the MDE's MOVEit file transfer service. MOVEit is a software platform that allows users to securely transfer files between different computers and servers. The cyberattack exploited a vulnerability in the MOVEit software that allowed hackers to gain unauthorized access to the MDE's data server.

The data that was exposed in the breach includes:

  • Student names, birthdates, and social security numbers

  • Parent names and contact information

  • Educator names and contact information

  • Educational records, including test scores and grades

  • Medical information, including immunization records

How It Happened

The cyberattack on the MDE's MOVEit file transfer service was carried out by a group of cybercriminals known as the C10p ransomware gang. The C10p ransomware gang is a Russian-speaking group that is known for targeting government agencies and educational institutions.

The C10p ransomware gang first gained access to the MDE's MOVEit file transfer service by exploiting a vulnerability in the software. Once they had access to the server, they were able to download a large amount of data, including student, parent, and educator records.

The C10p ransomware gang then encrypted the data on the server and demanded a ransom payment of $1 million in order to decrypt the data and prevent it from being released to the public. The MDE refused to pay the ransom, and the data was eventually released to the public.

Impact of the Breach

The Minnesota Department of Education data breach has had a significant impact on the state's education system. The breach has caused widespread anxiety among parents and educators, and it has raised concerns about the security of student data.

The breach has also had a financial impact on the MDE. The MDE has had to spend millions of dollars to investigate the breach and to implement new security measures.

Recommendations

The Minnesota Department of Education data breach is a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity. In order to protect student data, educational institutions should:

  • Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication

  • Keep software up to date

  • Back up data regularly

  • Be aware of the latest cybersecurity threats

Conclusion

The Minnesota Department of Education data breach is a serious incident that has had a significant impact on the state's education system. The breach is a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity, and it is important for educational institutions to take steps to protect student data.

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