Providence Public School Department Listed by Medusa Ransomware Group

On September 11, 2024, the Providence Public School Department appeared on the leak site operated by the Medusa ransomware group. The listing states that internal files totaling 201.40 GB were exfiltrated during a ransomware attack on the Rhode Island school district that serves approximately 21,700 students from pre-K through 12th grade.

Details from the Leak-Site Listing

The Medusa leak site, viewed through the ransomware.live mirror at the .onion address provided, lists Providence Public School Department as a victim and claims the attackers stole and are prepared to publish 201.40 GB of internal files. The disclosure does not specify the exact types of records taken, nor does it list individual data elements such as student names, Social Security numbers, or employee payroll information. It simply states that data was exfiltrated following a ransomware deployment and that the district has not met the group’s demands.

School districts hold sensitive information on children, parents, and staff. Even without a full itemization in the listing, the volume alone indicates the material likely includes spreadsheets, databases, contracts, emails, or documents that reference real people connected to the 21 elementary schools, seven middle schools, nine high schools, and two public charter schools under the department’s oversight.

Why This Matters for You and Your Family

If you live in Providence or have a child who attends one of its public schools, your family’s information may now sit inside the 201.40 GB archive held by Medusa. School records routinely contain home addresses, parent phone numbers, dates of birth, and sometimes health or disciplinary notes. Once that material reaches dark-web forums or data-broker lists, it becomes reusable for identity theft, phishing campaigns, or harassment.