Lincoln College - A Cautionary Tale of Cyber Vulnerability

Introduction

In May 2022, the historic halls of Lincoln College, a cherished educational institution in Illinois, fell silent as it announced its permanent closure after 157 years of service. Founded on the birthday of Abraham Lincoln in 1865, this historically Black college had weathered significant challenges throughout its long existence, including two world wars and the Great Depression. Yet, the dual pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and a devastating ransomware attack proved to be the final straw. This case study explores Lincoln College's heart-wrenching journey, shedding light on the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures in today’s digital landscape.

Client Overview

Lincoln College, with its rich history and commitment to accessible education, served a diverse student body of fewer than 1,000 students. It had long been a beacon of hope for many, particularly first-generation college students seeking to achieve their dreams. However, as the world shifted dramatically in recent years, the college found itself struggling to adapt.

The Challenge

Like many educational institutions, Lincoln College faced a tough road during the COVID-19 pandemic. As enrollment began to dwindle, the college made significant investments in technology to support remote learning. Unfortunately, these efforts came at a high cost, and the financial strain began to take its toll.

Then, in December 2021, disaster struck. The college became the target of a ransomware attack that locked staff and students out of essential systems for three long months. Imagine the chaos: vital data for recruitment, retention, and fundraising suddenly inaccessible, leaving the college’s future hanging in the balance. The sense of urgency and helplessness was palpable, and the clock was ticking.

To complicate matters further, for those unfamiliar with the business model of colleges, institutions typically collect tuition revenue two times a year, in January and August. A shutdown in January meant that Lincoln College would miss a critical window to collect revenue, deepening its financial crisis. While this impact is not explicitly confirmed in the details, it is a reasonable assumption based on the typical operational practices of colleges.

Impact of the Cyberattack

The fallout from the ransomware attack was devastating. Operations were severely disrupted, and the college's ability to conduct business was crippled. When the systems were finally restored, the news was disheartening—enrollment projections were far below what was needed for sustainability. Lincoln College's president, David Gerlach, found himself delivering the grim news to students: the college required a massive $50 million investment to continue operating, a figure that felt more like a distant dream than a reality.

The emotional toll was immense. The loss of this institution meant not just the closure of a college but the erasure of countless dreams, careers, and a vibrant community. Alumni who once walked those halls felt a deep sense of grief, realizing that a piece of their history was slipping away.

The Path Forward

Had Lincoln College implemented an Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution when it began to increase its attack surface by investing in technology for online learning during the pandemic, the outcome could have been drastically different. EDR systems act as vigilant sentinels, continuously monitoring activities on an organization’s network to detect and respond to threats in real time. If only the college had such a system in place, it could have:

• Mitigated Damage: Early detection could have caught the ransomware attack before it wreaked havoc, allowing for a quicker, more effective response.

• Secured Critical Data: With proactive protection, Lincoln might have safeguarded essential systems and maintained operations even during the pandemic's challenges.

• Preserved Legacy: Enhanced cybersecurity could have allowed Lincoln College to focus on its mission of providing quality education, keeping its doors open for future generations.

Questions to Consider

As you reflect on your own institution's cybersecurity posture, consider these critical questions to evaluate whether an EDR solution could be a game changer for you:

1. What would happen to our operations if a ransomware attack hit us tomorrow?

2. Are we equipped with real-time monitoring to catch suspicious activities on our network?

3. Could investing in EDR technology save us from the financial and reputational costs associated with a security breach?

Conclusion

The story of Lincoln College serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities that educational institutions face in our increasingly digital world. The closing of this beloved college is not just a statistic; it’s a reflection of the lives it touched and the future it could have offered. As cyber threats continue to rise, it's crucial for colleges and universities to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures, including the implementation of Endpoint Detection and Response systems. Protecting sensitive data and ensuring operational resilience isn’t just about safeguarding the institution; it’s about preserving the legacies of the communities they serve and the dreams of students who seek a brighter future.

Call to Action

As educational institutions grapple with the complexities of their operational models and the financial realities of their funding cycles, it is more important than ever to recognize cybersecurity as a cornerstone of their strategy. The potential loss of revenue from a cyber incident, particularly during crucial collection periods, can have devastating consequences, as seen with Lincoln College. By investing in advanced solutions like EDR, schools can proactively protect their environments, secure critical data, and uphold their legacies for generations to come. The time for action is now; let’s ensure that the story of Lincoln College isn’t one that is repeated elsewhere.