Vanderbilt restores most online access after Monday cyber attack

Vanderbilt University restored access to most of its online applications and campus WiFi by Tuesday morning, following a cyber attack that began Monday morning. The school has not yet confirmed whether personal information was taken during the incident.

The disruption left students and staff uncertain about the status of their data. An employee who asked not to be identified said the situation remained unclear. “We don’t know what the ramifications are at the moment,” the employee said. “We are just playing it by ear and waiting for more information.”

Corey Lochan, a senior at the university, said he is waiting for details on the scope of the breach. “My biggest question is what is going on behind the scenes,” Lochan said.

Video shared on Monday displayed the message “You have been compromised by BYOD.” Vanderbilt has not confirmed that the cybercrime group BYOD was involved in the attack. Tracy Walder, a former CIA officer and FBI special agent, noted that BYOD has not been active for long. She said the group claims to target universities, hospital systems, and large corporations. Walder said Vanderbilt fits that profile.

Walder suggested that the university’s limited public statements may be a strategic choice. “What they are trying to do is figure out, do we pay this ransom, or is this something where we can get our data back from this group,” Walder said. “Until they do that, they have to go communication silent. That is probably what the FBI is advising them to do.” She added that the group’s primary goal is money.

The university is currently working with government agencies on the investigation. It is asking students and staff to monitor their accounts for unusual activity and to report anything suspicious to the university’s IT office.

Walder recommended that individuals check the website haveibeenpwned.com to see if their email addresses appear in known data leaks. The university will continue to provide updates as the investigation proceeds.