Ransomware Attacks on Hospitals and Schools Double, FBI Launches National Task Force to Combat Dark-Web Hackers

In a troubling surge of cybercrime, ransomware attacks targeting hospitals and schools across the United States have doubled in 2024, causing widespread disruption and prompting urgent action from federal authorities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has responded by launching a national task force dedicated to combating dark-web hackers responsible for these devastating attacks. This alarming trend not only threatens sensitive data but also endangers lives and disrupts education, making it a critical issue for communities nationwide.

A Growing Threat to Critical Infrastructure

Ransomware attacks, where hackers lock critical systems or data and demand payment to restore access, have become a pervasive threat. According to the FBI, complaints about these attacks rose by 9% in 2024, with losses reaching a staggering $16.6 billion—a 33% increase from 2023. Nearly half of these incidents targeted critical infrastructure, including healthcare and educational institutions, which are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on digital systems and the urgency of their operations.

Hospitals, for instance, depend on electronic systems for patient records, medical equipment, and communication. When ransomware strikes, it can halt operations, delay treatments, and even put lives at risk. A notable example is the May 2024 cyberattack on Ascension, a major healthcare provider, which locked medical staff out of critical systems, disrupted phone lines, and delayed essential medical procedures. Such incidents highlight the real-world consequences of these attacks, far beyond financial losses.

Schools, meanwhile, are attractive targets because they hold sensitive student and staff data, often with limited cybersecurity budgets to defend against sophisticated hackers. The Minneapolis Public School District, for example, suffered a significant breach in 2024, exposing sensitive information like psychological reports and abuse allegations. These attacks not only compromise privacy but also disrupt learning, as schools scramble to rebuild their IT systems.

Why Hospitals and Schools Are Prime Targets

Cybercriminals target hospitals and schools for several reasons. First, these institutions often operate under tight budgets, leaving them with outdated software or insufficient cybersecurity measures. Hackers exploit these vulnerabilities through phishing campaigns, unpatched software, or hijacked accounts to gain access to networks.

Second, the urgency of their operations makes them more likely to pay ransoms. In healthcare, downtime can mean life-or-death situations, pushing hospitals to comply with hackers’ demands to restore systems quickly. Similarly, schools face pressure to protect student data and resume classes, making them susceptible to extortion. The Medusa ransomware variant, for instance, has been linked to over 300 victims since 2021, targeting sectors like healthcare and education with ransom demands ranging from $100,000 to $15 million.

Finally, the rise of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) has lowered the barrier for cybercriminals. RaaS allows even less-skilled hackers to purchase ready-made ransomware tools on the dark web, enabling them to launch sophisticated attacks with minimal technical expertise. This accessibility has fueled a fourfold increase in ransomware incidents over the past year, according to recent research.

The FBI’s Response: A National Task Force

Recognizing the severity of this crisis, the FBI has launched a national task force to tackle dark-web hackers head-on. This initiative brings together experts from the FBI’s Cyber Division, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and other federal agencies to coordinate efforts against ransomware groups. The task force focuses on several key strategies:

1. Disrupting Criminal Networks: The FBI is intensifying efforts to dismantle ransomware operations, such as the takedown of the 8Base ransomware gang’s dark-web sites in February 2025. This operation, involving international law enforcement, seized critical infrastructure used by hackers and led to arrests linked to the Phobos ransomware group.
2. Enhancing Cybersecurity Guidance: The task force is working with hospitals and schools to implement stronger defenses, such as multifactor authentication, regular software updates, and network monitoring. The FBI and CISA have issued joint advisories, like the March 2025 warning about Medusa ransomware, to share tactics and indicators of compromise with organizations.
3. Targeting Dark-Web Operations: By infiltrating dark-web forums like BreachForums, the FBI aims to disrupt the marketplaces where hackers buy and sell ransomware tools. A creative example of this approach came in November 2024, when a “good hacker” used a fake ransomware tool called Jinn to lure cybercriminals into a honeypot, exposing their operations.
4. International Collaboration: Ransomware is a global threat, with groups like Inc Ransom and Qilin operating from countries like Russia and China. The FBI is partnering with agencies in Europe, Asia, and beyond to track and apprehend these criminals, as seen in the coordinated takedown of 8Base.

The Human Cost of Ransomware

Beyond the financial toll, ransomware attacks have a profound human impact. In healthcare, disruptions can lead to delayed surgeries, unavailable test results, and compromised patient care. A 2023 study estimated that ransomware attacks contributed to dozens of patient deaths in the U.S. between 2016 and 2021, with mortality rates rising during hospital cyberattacks. The emotional toll on healthcare workers, who compare these incidents to the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, is immense.

For schools, the consequences are equally troubling. Leaked student data, including psychological reports or abuse allegations, can have lifelong repercussions. Young students are particularly vulnerable, as their unmonitored credit records can be exploited for years. Parents and educators are left grappling with the fallout, while schools divert resources to rebuild systems, often at a cost of millions of dollars.

What Can Be Done to Stay Safe?

While the FBI’s task force is a critical step, hospitals, schools, and individuals must take proactive measures to protect themselves. Here are some practical steps recommended by cybersecurity experts:

• Update Software Regularly: Patching outdated systems can prevent hackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities, like those used by the Ghost ransomware group in 2021.
• Use Strong Passwords and Multifactor Authentication: These measures make it harder for hackers to access accounts, even if they obtain login credentials through phishing.
• Train Staff on Cybersecurity: Educating employees about phishing emails and suspicious links can reduce the risk of accidental breaches.
• Maintain Backups: Regular, offline backups allow organizations to restore systems without paying ransoms, as seen in cases where schools avoided extortion by rebuilding from scratch.
• Invest in Cybersecurity: While budgets are tight, allocating resources to robust defenses can save millions in recovery costs and prevent disruptions.

A Call to Action

The doubling of ransomware attacks on hospitals and schools is a wake-up call for communities, policymakers, and institutions. The FBI’s national task force is a vital step toward curbing this threat, but it cannot succeed alone. Hospitals and schools must prioritize cybersecurity, governments must enact stronger regulations, and individuals must stay vigilant against phishing and other tactics used by dark-web hackers.

As ransomware continues to evolve, so must our defenses. By working together—across federal agencies, local organizations, and international partners—we can protect our most critical institutions and ensure that healthcare and education remain safe havens for those who depend on them. The fight against dark-web hackers is far from over, but with coordinated action and a commitment to resilience, we can turn the tide against this growing menace.

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