K12 Tech Talk

Episode 140 - Ransomware Story with Eric @ OKC Public Schools

Oct 20, 2023

Eric Hileman, Executive Director for IT Services at Oklahoma City Public Schools, recounts their experience with a ransomware attack, discussing mistakes made, luck involved, and the message that 'it can happen to you'. Topics include compromised devices, media communication, and lessons learned.

45:46

Creator website

Episode guests

Eric Hileman

AI Summary

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Open communication and collaboration played a crucial role in successfully handling the ransomware incident, with the IT department maintaining a transparent relationship with local media outlets and receiving support from the community.

The ransomware incident highlighted the need for better cybersecurity infrastructure and tools, leading the district to invest in next-gen AV endpoint tools, log aggregators, and a transition to a zero-trust network security model with multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Deep dives

The Importance of Open Communication and Collaboration

Open communication and collaboration played a crucial role in the successful handling of the ransomware incident. The IT department had a good relationship with local media outlets, allowing them to communicate transparently with the community throughout the crisis. The community responded with support and solidarity, understanding that cybersecurity incidents can happen to anyone. The district's IT staff also demonstrated high collaboration, working together to recover from the incident and receiving appreciation from teachers and staff.

Introduction

2min

Sponsor Mentions and Updates in Tech Services

2min

Updates to Auto Assign Algorithm and Rules Engine, Migration to YouTube, and Sponsor Complaint

2min

Introduction of Eric and Discussion of Their Role in IT Services for a Large School District

2min

Ransomware Attack and Disruption

22min

Impact of Ransomware Attack and Device Count

2min

Compromised Devices, Media Communication, and Community Support

2min

Lessons from a Ransomware Attack

14min

Eric recounts the story of how his district was hit with ransomware in 2019 but narrowly escaped a major cyber attack. He describes the early days of the attack, including the response from his team and district, and then recounts how they recovered with only a very small grazing from the attack. His story is filled with lessons learned from the incident, including things they should have done before the attack as well as how his district handled the incident as a community.

Chris was not able to make this week’s episode so we’re also considering Eric for the full-time gig.

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