New Jersey City University hit by ransomware attack; Hackers demand $700,000 in Bitcoin

New Jersey City University (NJCU) has fallen victim to a ransomware attack, with cybercriminals threatening to release sensitive personal data unless they receive $700,000 in Bitcoin by August 3. The attack, attributed to the Rhysida Ransomware Group, compromised the university’s computer network between June 4 and June 10, leading to the theft of social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial account numbers, and credit card information of students and staff.

 

The university informed affected individuals of the breach on Friday, almost seven weeks after the incident. NJCU has approximately 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students and a few hundred faculty and staff members. The exact number of those potentially affected by the data breach has not been disclosed.

 

NJCU issued a statement on its website confirming the unauthorized access and detailing its response. “In June 2024, our computer network was accessed without permission by an unknown actor,” the university stated. “We immediately notified law enforcement authorities, secured our computer network, and conducted a thorough assessment.”

 

Cybersecurity firms Hack Manac and Sentinel One have identified the Rhysida Ransomware Group as the attack’s perpetrators. Sentinel One noted that Rhysida claims to be aiding victims by exposing security vulnerabilities.

 

NJCU assured the public that it is taking steps to notify and assist potentially affected individuals. Those impacted will receive emails and can contact the university to confirm their status. NJCU will offer complimentary identity monitoring services and has committed to providing further resources, including a dedicated assistance line, though this service is not yet operational.

 

Despite the breach, NJCU maintained that its computer systems are secure and accessible online, stating that the “unauthorized activity was remediated.” The university has not disclosed whether it plans to pay the ransom.