Ransomware Attack Ultimately Causes Closure of Lincoln College in Illinois.

A cyber-attack proves to be the final nail in the coffin for a US college battling financial crisis. Lincoln University, founded in 1865 and home to a Black student body, shut its doors on May 13. The rural institution in Illinois has been experiencing economic difficulties as a result of Covid-19’s effect on recruitment and funding.

According to the Chicago Tribune, an assault by a cyber group in December dealt the last blow to the institution. The group’s hack encrypted vital information, rendering it harder for officials to conduct “enrollment, retention, as well as fund-raising initiatives,” according to a notice lately posted on the school’s website. Lincoln College reportedly paid a $100,000 ransom to the hackers, but they were ultimately unable to fully recover from the attack.

Estimated Cost

$100,000 ransom. The attack ultimately closed down the college.

Threat Source

Impacts

IT