Northeastern Technical College Suffers Ransomware Attack by SunCrypt Group

Northeastern Technical College, a post-secondary institution in South Carolina, has been targeted by the ransomware group SunCrypt, as reported on their dark web leak site. The college, which is part of the SC Technical College System, has been operating in the Education sector and has contributed significantly to the state's economy.

Victim Profile

Northeastern Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. It has a cumulative economic impact of over $47 million on its service area, which includes Chesterfield, Marlboro, and Dillon counties. The college is known for its affordability, with low-cost tuition and financial aid, and offers a variety of programs, including 21 college degrees, 30 career-oriented certificates and diplomas, and 200-plus continuing education classes.

Vulnerabilities and Impact

The specific details of the attack are not provided in the search results, but it is mentioned that SunCrypt has claimed responsibility for the attack. Ransomware attacks typically involve encrypting the victim's files and demanding a ransom to restore access. The impact of such attacks can range from data loss and system downtime to reputational damage and potential legal consequences.

Mitigation Strategies

While the article does not provide specific mitigation strategies for this attack, it is essential for organizations to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against ransomware attacks. These measures may include regular software updates, employee training, multi-factor authentication, and data backups.

Sources

• Northeastern Technical College
• What Caused the Cyberattack on Change Healthcare?
• Aftermath of the cyber attack at Wilkes-Barre CTC
• CISA warns state, local government about Phobos ransomware