New Jersey City University (NJCU) recently experienced a cyber attack that has put around 6,000 individuals at risk of identity theft. The breach occurred between June 4 and June 10, leading to the compromise of sensitive personal information. Although the campus-wide computer system has since been restored, the incident involved the unauthorized access and potential copying of files, including names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial account details, and credit card information.
Following the attack, NJCU administrators are working to notify affected individuals via email. The university is also providing free identity monitoring services to help those who might be impacted by the breach. Despite the system’s restoration, concerns about potential misuse of the exposed data persist.
Cybersecurity expert Scott Schober highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the attackers demanded a ransom of approximately $700,000. Schober advised against paying such ransoms, citing a significant increase in university-targeted hacks over the past year and the high value of the stolen personal information for identity theft.
The university has been grappling with financial challenges and is under scrutiny to reduce its substantial debt. As NJCU navigates these issues, it remains committed to supporting its students and staff through this breach and implementing measures to strengthen its cybersecurity defenses.
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