Ransomware Attack Has A Deadline
Michigan State University is counting down a clock, but not for a buzzer to signal another athletic victory. Today the gang responsible for Netwalker ransomware announced they’ve given MSU administrators a week. MSU was hacked. The administration can pay the undisclosed ransom or risk having sensitive data released.
Michigan State, which opened its doors in 1855, may not have on campus classes at the moment, but the data housed within its (virtual) walls is still vulnerable. The attackers have published information collected on a site they run on the dark web. In addition, the gang issued a statement. If MSU refuses to pay or tries to restore from back-ups, all their information will be published.
Better Protection
With the world working, learning, and communicating from our houses, data is easier to access than ever. As we mentioned yesterday, a test sample revealed that nearly all remote workers were not provided antivirus when switched to a work from home model.
While the source of the attack has yet to be revealed, it’s clear that Michigan State University didn’t have a strong enough defense system. Students, faculty, and employees of the university will have to wait to see how this plays out. Meanwhile, MSU has yet to release a statement.
