CASE STUDIES

Lincoln College - A Cautionary Tale of Cyber Vulnerability

This case study explores the tragic closure of Lincoln College, a historically Black institution in Illinois, after 157 years of operation. The college faced insurmountable challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and a devastating ransomware attack that locked staff and students out of critical systems, disrupting vital operations. The study highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, specifically the implementation of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems, to protect educational institutions from modern threats. It serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities facing colleges today and emphasizes the need for proactive strategies to safeguard legacies and secure futures.

The Rising Tide of Ransomware: William Jewell College's Battle with LockBit 3.0

This case study, titled "The Rising Tide of Ransomware: William Jewell College's Battle with LockBit 3.0," examines the significant cyber attack that targeted William Jewell College during move-in week in August 2023. It details the impact of the LockBit 3.0 ransomware attack, which disrupted college operations and compromised sensitive personal identifiable information of over 4,000 individuals. The study highlights the college's proactive response, including collaboration with cybersecurity experts and ongoing efforts to enhance its IT infrastructure. Ultimately, it underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in educational institutions to safeguard against the increasing threat of ransomware.