TLDR:
- Stanford University experienced a data breach in their Department of Public Safety due to a ransomware attack.
- 27,000 individuals may have been impacted, with personal information such as Social Security numbers and credit card information potentially compromised.
Stanford University recently experienced a data breach in their Department of Public Safety due to a ransomware attack. The breach, which occurred on September 27, 2023, resulted in unauthorized access to the network from May 12, 2023, until its discovery. Personal information of 27,000 individuals, including sensitive data like Social Security numbers and credit card information, may have been compromised. The Akira Ransomware group is believed to be behind the attack, demanding nearly a million dollars in ransom. Stanford University is taking swift action to address the breach, including providing affected individuals with complimentary identity protection services. They are also working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident. It is crucial for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures to prevent such breaches in the future.