lockbit2 attacks St. Thomas University
Incident Date:
May 16, 2022
Overview
Title
lockbit2 attacks St. Thomas University
Victim
St. Thomas University
Attacker
Lockbit2
Location
First Reported
May 16, 2022
St. Thomas University Suffers Ransomware Attack by Lockbit2
Victim Profile
St. Thomas University, a Catholic institution located in Miami, Florida, has recently fallen victim to a ransomware attack perpetrated by the group Lockbit2, as disclosed on the group's dark web leak site. The university is renowned for its dedication to fostering academic and professional excellence, aiming to prepare students to be ethical leaders within the global community. The Gus Machado College of Business and St. Thomas Law are pivotal in this mission, focusing on educating future global leaders and lawyers skilled in navigating and resolving the complexities of modern society.
Size and Vulnerabilities
While specific details regarding the size of St. Thomas University remain undisclosed, the Education sector, in general, has experienced a noticeable uptick in ransomware attacks. Since December 2022, at least eight colleges and universities in North America have reported such incidents. This trend underscores a broader vulnerability within the sector, characterized by a reluctance to openly discuss ransomware attacks, potentially due to the fear of reputational damage.
Mitigation Strategies
In response to the growing threat of cyberattacks, St. Thomas University has implemented several proactive measures. Among these is a Ransomware Awareness Training Program, designed to educate and prepare the university community to effectively respond to and prevent ransomware incidents. Furthermore, the university is committed to cultivating a workforce that is well-equipped to defend against the increasingly sophisticated landscape of cyber threats, including ransomware attacks and data breaches.
Sources
- St. Thomas University - Catholic University in Miami, FL
- Outside Consultant: What Steps Should Business Leaders Take to Counter Ransomware and Other Cyberattacks? - Harvard Business Review
- Universities and Colleges Cope Silently with Ransomware Attacks - Inside Higher Ed
- Top 6 Emerging Trends in Cyber Security for 2019 - Forbes
- St. Thomas University Ransomware Awareness Training Program in USA - St. Thomas University Cyber Security Certificate
- Building a Workforce Ready to Defend Against Cyberthreats - Newsroom - St. Thomas University Newsroom
Recent Ransomware Attacks
The Recent Ransomware Attacks (RRA) site acts as a watchtower, providing you with near real-time ransomware tracking of attacks, groups and their victims. Given threat actors’ overarching, lucrative success so far, ransomware attacks have become the most ubiquitous, and financially and informationally impactful cyber threat to businesses and organizations today.
The site’s data is generated based on hosting choices of real-world threat actors, and a handful of other trackers. While sanitization efforts have been taken, we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy of the data. Attack updates will be made as source data is reported by reputable sources. By viewing, accessing, or using RRA you acknowledge you are doing so at your own risk.