Bristol Community College’s computer systems were hacked in a “ransomware attack” incident, according to college officials.
According to a statement posted Friday on the college’s website, their computer network was hacked by a “criminal cyberattack,” and “this incident involved ransomware encryption.”
“We wish to thank you for one’s patience and versatility over the previous week. As we navigated the effect of what we now understand to be a criminal cyberattack. This is an effort by hacker attacks to damage the college’s computer network,” the college said in a statement.
“The college has found a network interruption issue affecting onshore internet and network functions for students and employees. These such as email, Teams, shared document sites, and information systems,” college officials said.
“At this time, Bristol Community College does not have any evidence in the case that this incident resulted in unauthorized access to or acquisition of personal information,” the college added.
The breach occurred around December 23, according to officials.
“The school immediately began an investigation, in discussion with cybersecurity experts who frequently investigate and analyze these kinds of incidents across the country,” the college said. “If the investigation finds that individual data was compromised, people will be notified immediately with instructions and next steps.”
For the time being, school officials advise students and staff to change their usernames and report any odd behavior.
On Thursday, college officials would only say that there was a “cybersecurity incident.”
Colleges have been attempting to resolve the issue with the assistance of information systems specialists, according to Kevin Spirlet, a spokesperson for the college.
Spirlet Thursday refused to elaborate or respond to questions regarding whether the college’s systems had been hacked.
Winter classes have begun, and the college has stated that it is continuing to make proposals for the spring term.
The Issues of Bristol Community College
According to the college’s website, email, AccessBCC, as well as some internet services are currently offline.
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During this time, college services such as the Enlistment Center, student accounts, financial assistance, and more are available by phone or in person. However, due to limited access to collegiate data systems, facilities may be limited, according to the college.
“We recognize that this causes major interruptions for our students, faculty, and staff. We prepare to begin the Spring semester in a few weeks,” college officials said.
The college stated that it will proceed to do is provide information about the progress and findings of the investigation on its website.
Meanwhile, students and faculty are urged to change all passcodes, including those for bank accounts, and credit cards. As well as other financial institutions, to “strong” new passwords.
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They should also review their statements for any suspicious activity, and monitor their credit reports on a regular basis. And report any suspicious or unauthorized fees to their financial institution or bank.
Visit identitytheft.gov for more information on how to protect your information and also what to do if it is compromised.
More than 4,100 publicly reported data breaches occurred in 2021, exposing 22 billion records. According to Bristol officials, research and educational organizations were aimed by an estimated 1,065 hacking attacks per week in 2021, a 75% rise from 2020.
The main campus of BCC is in Fall River, with campuses in Taunton and New Bedford.
