Ransomware attack: Washington Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Youth hit in December

The Washington Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Youth, the state agency that operates Vancouver’s Washington School for the Deaf, alerted the public this week that it has been the victim of a ransomware attack.

The attack may have compromised personal data of people connected to the Washington Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Youth, including prospective students or those served by an outreach program.

In a ransomware event, cyber criminals try to encrypt, lock up or steal data from an organization.

According to a statement, the agency discovered disruptions to computer systems Dec. 16, and determined it was the victim of ransomware incident that likely started two days earlier. The agency took steps to secure its systems and engaged outside cybersecurity experts to investigate.

Law enforcement was notified, including the FBI Cyber Crimes Division and the Washington State Patrol.

Compromised information involved may have included: names, Social Security numbers; dates of birth; driver license or state ID card numbers; student, military or passport IDs; information about medical history, diagnosis or treatment.

The agency has notified most staff, students and other individuals whose information may have been impacted, and has arranged to offer credit monitoring and identity restoration services from risk management and investigation firm Kroll at no cost.

For more information, contact hr@cdhy.wa.gov or visit www.cdhy.wa.gov/notice-of-data-incident/.