Hackers Steal Applicant Data from Three U.S. Colleges

Hackers Steal Applicant Data from Three U.S. Colleges

Hackers have stolen applicant data from Ohio’s Oberlin College, Iowa-based Grinnell College and New York’s Hamilton College and are seeking money from students to retrieve their files.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • March 12, 2019

Hackers recently targeted Oberlin College in Ohio, Iowa-based Grinnell College and New York’s Hamilton College, stealing data on students applying for admission to their schools, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal. According to the Journal, hackers were able to trick university staff members into providing passwords, which allowed them to take control over databases housing information from student applicants.

The hackers are now asking for one bitcoin—currently about $3,800—from students to retrieve their “entire admission file,” which includes teacher recommendations and comments from the admissions department, among other data.

According to the Journal, admissions processes at each of the targeted colleges were managed using a platform called Slate, from Technosolutions. After the hackers obtained passwords giving them access to the college networks, they reportedly targeted the Slate software to obtain the student data.

Alexander Clark, CEO of Technosolutions, told the Journal that his company has been in contact with the three targeted universities. Clark said he’s requested the schools “review the security practices of their single sign-on and password reset systems.”

The colleges told the Journal that they are investigating the incident and informing affected students.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Electrified Latch Retraction Locks Key Benefits for Retrofits

    Building owners and facility managers increasingly rely on electrified hardware to enhance security while meeting accessibility standards. Among these technologies, electrified or motorized latch retraction locks are especially effective for retrofit projects where existing door and frame conditions complicate upgrades. Latch retraction capable locks combine security, accessibility and code compliance benefits, making them ideal for retrofitting fire-rated and non-rated openings in schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings and more. Read Now

  • How Cloud Security Solutions Are Transforming Campus Safety

    Campus administrators today face a challenging mandate: deliver stronger security across their facilities while working within tighter budget constraints. From school districts focused on student safety to hospitals protecting patients and staff, the question remains the same: how do you build security infrastructure that evolves with your needs without requiring massive capital investments? Read Now

  • Rethinking Campus Security From the Inside

    For decades, campus security strategies focused on keeping threats outside school walls. But since the tragedy at Columbine High School, data has shown that many attacks begin inside the building, often in classrooms and corridors. This shift has prompted schools to rethink security from the inside and place greater emphasis on interior elements such as classroom doors. This shift is evidenced by a new generation of classroom door systems engineered to delay inside intruders and an ASTM standard that raises the bar on how these systems must be designed to defend against attack. Read Now

  • AI in Security: Advancing Campus Safety and Considerations for Implementing

    Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to capture attention across every sector, and the physical security industry is no exception. Once seen as experimental, AI-enabled analytics now underpin how organizations monitor environments, detect threats, and make decisions. What was once futuristic is now a practical necessity for safety professionals managing growing volumes of data, tighter resources, and increasing expectations for faster, more accurate responses. Read Now

Most   Popular