Hackers demand $40 million in cryptocurrency from a U.S. school district

The Broward County Public Schools’ computer systems in Florida were hit by the Conti ransomware. For decrypting the data and to prevent publication of stolen personal information, the attackers demanded a cryptocurrency ransom.

The malware struck the systems in early March, Infosecurity reports.

Initially, the hackers demanded a ransom of $15 million. After two weeks of negotiations, district officials offered to pay the attackers $500,000, but the latter did not agree and ceased communication with the victims.

It has since emerged that the Conti operators are seeking a $40 million ransom.

Representatives of the district said they did not pay the ransom and have no evidence that the hackers gained access to any personal data.

Earlier, the REvil ransomware group encrypted the files of the Taiwanese company Acer and demanded payment of $50 million in Monero.

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