Ransomware attacks against educational institutions have surged 23% year-over-year in early 2025, with schools disproportionately affected by sophisticated cyber threats driven by AI. The education sector ranks among the top targets globally, facing high ransom demands averaging over half a million dollars. Limited resources in school districts exacerbate vulnerabilities as attackers leverage AI to craft more convincing phishing campaigns. Cybersecurity experts urge enhanced defenses despite budget constraints, highlighting the ongoing and growing risk of ransomware incidents disrupting education operations.