A ransomware stole the data of 27,000 people from Stanford last year

Threat actors leaked the stolen data on the dark web

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Published onMarch 14, 2024

published onMarch 14, 2024

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Last year, a ransomware attack affected Stanford University’s Department of Public Safety (SUDPS) network. Furthermore, after Stanford investigated the incident, the conclusion was that the ransomware stole the data of 27,000 people. However, the attack didn’t affect any other departments. In addition,according to Stanford, an unauthorized individual gained access to the data.

How does a ransomware attack work?

Threat actors use ransomware attacks to lock and encrypt data, devices, and systems. Afterward, the cybercriminal makes them inaccessible and unusable. Then, the hacker asks for a ransom to unlock them. In Stanford’s case, the main goal of the ransomware attack was to steal and leak the data. Furthermore, according toDominic Alvieri, theAkira groupis responsible for posting 430 GB of Stanford data on the dark web.

Most of the Stanford data stolen by the ransomware attack consists of phone numbers, emails, names, locations, digital signatures, security questions, usernames, passwords, credit cards, and security codes. On top of that, a smaller number of victims had their medical information and driver’s license number stolen.

Unfortunately, it took a long time for Stanford to release an update about the situation. Furthermore, the University announced that the people affected will receive an email. In it, they will find identity protection services free of charge.

Ultimately, this is not the only cybersecurity incident that happened to the University. Stanford dealt with similar ransomware attacks in the past. In addition, it takes a long time for the University to act, especially since they send emails only to the potentially impacted individuals. Fortunately, the investigations started shortly after the attack, and they managed to end it fast. Furthermore, the network is now more secure.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever encountered a ransomware attack? Let us know in the comments.

More about the topics:Cybersecurity,Ransomware

Sebastian Filipoiu

Sebastian is a content writer with a desire to learn everything new about AI and gaming. So, he spends his time writing prompts on various LLMs to understand them better. Additionally, Sebastian has experience fixing performance-related problems in video games and knows his way around Windows. Also, he is interested in anything related to quantum technology and becomes a research freak when he wants to learn more.

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Sebastian Filipoiu

Sebastian is a content writer with a desire to learn everything new about AI and gaming.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

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A ransomware stole the data of 27,000 people from Stanford last year#

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With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

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Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

A ransomware stole the data of 27,000 people from Stanford last year

How does a ransomware attack work?