Once again, the NetWalker ransomware operators trap a big fish in their net. In this instance, they targeted the Columbia College of Chicago and leaked their confidential data online.
Columbia College Chicago is a private college specializing in arts and media disciplines and located in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1890, it has 6,195students pursuing degrees in more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Columbia College Chicago is the host institution of several affiliated educational, cultural, and research organizations, including the Center for Black Music Research, the Center for Book and Paper Arts, the Center for Community Arts Partnerships, the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, and the Museum of Contemporary Photography. Columbia College Chicago is not affiliated with Columbia University, Columbia College Hollywood, or any other Columbia College in the United States. Nearly 90 percent of Columbia graduates report being employed within a year of earning their degrees. Columbia alumni go on to shape and reshape industries in fields as varied as cinema and finance, music and video game design, journalism, and fashion. They run movie studios and record labels; win Academy Awards, Pulitzers, Emmys, Grammys, and National Book Awards; fill airwaves, concert halls, museums, and theatres; and are the moving forces behind investment funds, festivals, international consultancies, start-ups, humanitarian organizations, Michelin-starred restaurants, non-profits, and government offices.
Below is the message posted by the NetWalker ransomware operators on their online blog-:
The Cyble Research Team has identified the data leak. Currently, the ransomware operators have leaked a sample of the data leak and It seems that if the organisation does make an agreement with the ransomware operators, then their sensitive data would be leaked online within a couple of days. Below are the snapshots of the sample of data leak of Columbia College.
About Cyble:
Cyble is a US-based cyber threat intelligence company with the express mission to provide organizations with real-time views of their supply chain cyber threats and risks.