A recent string of ransomware attacks on school districts in Louisiana has prompted Governor John Edwards to declare a state of emergency over the cyber threat. Under the declaration, local governments can request assistance from cybersecurity experts from various state agencies.

According to a statement by Edwards’ office, ransomware attacks have “already impacted school systems in Sabine, Morehouse, and Ouachita parishes in North Louisiana.” In order to prevent further attacks, the state government “is in contact with parish school systems and governments across the state to assess further areas that may be at risk.”

For more information about the current ransomware epidemic and tips on what citizens can do to help minimize the risk of a ransomware attack on their local government, please check out this OODA analysis.

Read more: Ransomware Attacks Prompt Louisiana to Declare State of Emergency