Higher education institutions suffering from ransomware attacks is nothing new. However, as institutions shift to distance learning, the attack surface is much greater, giving malicious actors greater opportunity.
Institutions have a plethora of data – student assignments, academic research, administration and admission files, and alumni relations materials. The amount of data institutions have is incredible and increasing – making them prime targets for ransomware attacks.
Ransomware not only creates an issue for institutions by restricting access to critical systems and data, but it also can expose students’ personal information, such as Social Security numbers, passports, and banking details.
When Michigan State University was hit with an attack, the institution chose not to pay – and hackers began publishing financial documents and financial information shortly thereafter. Once an attack occurs, there is no guarantee that stolen data is safe – even if the institution pays a ransom.
With or without ransom payment, any delay by the institution in protecting and restoring data affects its ability to operate effectively. Malicious actors know that institutions are already under immense pressure with increased costs due to pandemic safety measures and the shift to hybrid learning, combined with reduced revenue. Further, a recent advisory from The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control warns that government agencies may consider the payment of a ransom to be a violation of laws relating to financial sanctions and embargoes.
In his current role, he is responsible for developing a team to enable the transformation of how public sector customers protect, serve, and educate their constituents by leveraging technology to connect, innovate, and lead. Wiseman’s history of driving IT market share, building revenue, and ensuring customer satisfaction has helped propel Pure Storage forward in the Public Sector market. His dedication to amplifying customer and partner stories is essential in developing and executing missions across Federal, state, local, and education sub-verticals.
Wiseman is an advocate for the application of information technology to streamline operations, increase collaboration, and drive innovation.Wiseman has represented Sales in Pure Storage’s “Pure Equality” Inclusion and Diversity Team, Employee mentoring and onboarding initiative, as well as Pure Good community service initiatives.
Prior to joining Pure Storage, Wiseman spent 17 years at Cisco, where he held sales leadership positions in Commercial, Enterprise, and Public Sector segments, as well as the National Partner Organization. Wiseman has also served as the Cisco Public Sector/SLED leadership representative for Junior Achievement, helping teach K-12 students about business and entrepreneurship.
Prior to Cisco, Wiseman held various National and Public Sector sales positions at Executone Information Systems. Wiseman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University-Chico and a Master of Science degree in Management of Technology from Golden Gate University. He volunteers with the SF-Marin Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
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