Stanford University Details

Stanford University

Stanford, California • 16000 employees • Education

https://www.stanford.edu/

United States

Industry

Education

Security Incidents

Stanford University, officially known as Leland Stanford Junior University, is a private research university located in Stanford, California. Founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of their only child, Stanford is known for its academic strength, wealth, proximity to Silicon Valley, and ranking as one of the world's top universities. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is particularly noted for its business, law, engineering, and technology programs. The university has produced numerous Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, and billionaire...
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Security Incidents

Stanford University Breach of Oct 2023

Severity Score

Significant to High

Type

Ransomware Attack

Summary

Stanford University faced a cyberattack targeting its Department of Public Safety (SUDPS), attributed to the Akira ransomware gang, which claimed to have exfiltrated 430 gigabytes of data. The university's technical teams, along with external cybersecurity experts, have secured the affected system and are probing the extent of the impact. As of now, there's no indication that the incident compromised other parts of the university or hindered emergency police responses. Originating in March, the Akira ransomware group is linked to several attacks on U.S. educational institutions and has connect...
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Severity

The cybersecurity incident targeting Stanford University's Department of Public Safety involved a sophisticated ransomware attack by the Akira ransomware gang, which claimed to have stolen 430 gigabytes of data. Given the gang's history of multiple attacks on educational institutions and their links to the notorious Conti group, along with the potential severity of the data theft involved, this incident represents a substantial threat. While it did not impact other parts of the university or emergency services, the breach reflects a significant level of risk and exposure. Considering these fac...
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Impact

Stanford University's Department of Public Safety recently experienced a ransomware attack claimed by the Akira ransomware gang, resulting in the theft of 430 gigabytes of data. Although the specific details of the compromised data are still under investigation, there is no evidence that other parts of the university were affected, nor was police response to emergencies impacted. The compromised system has been secured, and both internal and external cybersecurity experts are thoroughly examining the incident. This breach continues a troubling trend of ransomware attacks on educational institu...
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