Hacking Attack on MSUM Raises Concern

A hacker managed acquiring admission into non-sensitive data related to employees and students of MSUM (Minnesota State University Moorhead) during one assault thought to be motivated via a case associated with Philando Castile wherein court acquitted one police officer from the shooting death of Castile.

The University informed staff, faculty and students about the hack through electronic mail, June 20. After taking place early 5th June, the hack got noticed later on the same day when remedial acts were enforced, stated David Wahlberg, Spokesman of MSUM.

Going by the handle "Vigilance," the hacker tweeted June 18 that justice must be given to mnstate.edu and #PhilandoCastile MN.gov because one innocent man died whereas another man who was guilty was let free.

While hacking MSUM data the attacker accessed information such as full names, preferred full names along with identification numbers belonging to 800 staff and faculty. The hacker as well accessed identical info related to approximately 8,000 students although that info was regarded as private information within the purview of privacy laws for federal students. The university has advised staff/faculty/students to reset the passwords they've been using.

On June 16, one jury of Ramsey County declared Jeronimo Yanez a police officer of St. Anthony wasn't involved in manslaughter during Castile's shooting at certain traffic stop in last year's summer. There was a worldwide notice for the case when Castile's girlfriend brought the incidence's aftermath in the forefront. Startribune.com posted this, June 20, 2017.

Nothing is lucid about the extent of destruction from the breach. The attacker asserted he acquired over 1,400 e-mail ids along with their passwords. He further claimed he infiltrated the databases of MSUM, however, didn't obtain sensitive information.

According to Wahlberg, IT security personnel found on June 5 about the breach. There wasn't any theft of financial information, SSNs or passwords. But for precaution, 800 employees and 8,000 students have been recommended they reset their passwords.

Minnesota IT Services declared confirmation of the shooting attack on Philando Castile. As per the department, a probe is ongoing. Minnesota State promised to share relevant details of an investigation by it with the agencies of law enforcement.

» SPAMfighter News - 6/23/2017