How California schools are fighting ransomware attacks As ransomware attacks target them, some California schools are scrambling to respond while others have done little to protect themselves. Author: Zayna Syed | CalMatters Updated: 1:24 PM PDT July 20, 2021 SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Schools aren’t exactly known for their expansive budgets. Many struggle to pay for basic operations such as functioning air conditioning and employee salaries. But this past year, cybercriminals have attacked a growing number of schools across California and the country. A handful of California schools, colleges and universities have experienced ransomware attacks, often with harsh consequences: Sierra College had some systems shut down during finals week, Newhall School District’s 10 elementary schools went a week without online school during the pandemic, and UC San Francisco paid a $1.14 million ransom.