Massive Cyberattack: 2.5 Million Columbia University Students, Employees, and Applicants’ Data Stolen by Hacktivist in Politically Charged Breach

A skilled hacktivist recently targeted Columbia University, stealing sensitive data from over two million students, applicants, and staff. This cyberattack knocked university systems offline for several hours on June 24, leading to the theft of personal information like social security numbers and application details.

University officials believe the attack was politically motivated. They reported that specific documents were the target, likely to push a particular agenda. Columbia stated they immediately launched an investigation with cybersecurity experts to assess the situation.

The hacker later claimed responsibility for the breach in an anonymous message. They mentioned their goal was to unearth information about affirmative action practices in admissions, which were recently ruled illegal by the Supreme Court. Notably, this incident involved 2.5 million applications and financial aid details spanning years.

During the attack, students and faculty experienced disruptions, including strange images appearing on screens. Some reported an image of former President Trump flashing on dorm televisions.

Columbia has since restored most systems but is focused on securing its network further. They have reassured the community that the Irving Medical Center remained unaffected by the breach. The university is committed to understanding the full impact of the situation and will take extra steps to prevent future incidents.

Cybersecurity experts emphasize that breaches like this are becoming more common. According to a recent report, nearly two-thirds of organizations experienced a cyberattack in the last year, demonstrating the growing urgency for robust cybersecurity measures across all institutions.

In the wake of this incident, many users expressed concern on social media about the potential for similar breaches at other universities, sparking discussions about the importance of data protection in educational settings. As Columbia works to strengthen its defenses, the broader educational community remains on alert.



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