Hacktivist Breach Exposes Columbia University Data

A politically motivated cyberattack has compromised the personal data of 2.5 million students, employees, and applicants at Columbia University. The hacker, described as a ‘hacktivist,’ targeted specific documents to advance their political agenda, according to university officials. This breach raises significant concerns about data security and privacy within higher education institutions. For university leaders, this incident underscores the urgent need to bolster cybersecurity measures and protocols. The breach could lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies. Institutions must prioritize safeguarding sensitive information to protect their communities and maintain trust.