Presenter Name: Laura Stratton Ransomware is increasingly targeting schools, turning simple gaps into major disruptions. In this 30‑minute session, we’ll break down how attacks actually happen across K‑12 schools—from initial access (often via compromised credentials or phishing) to lateral movement and full network impact. Using real-world examples, we’ll highlight why schools are especially vulnerable and where attackers are consistently succeeding. Most importantly, we’ll focus on practical, high‑impact defenses schools can implement today—covering prevention, detection, and response strategies that don’t require large budgets or complex tools. Attendees will leave with a clear, actionable understanding of how to reduce risk and better protect their environments against modern ransomware threats.