GODFREY – Campus computer networks were down Wednesday morning at Lewis & Clark Community College after the school was the victim if a cyber attack.
In a message sent to staff members around 6 a.m. Wednesday, LCCC President Ken Trzaska said the school’s computer systems were down because of a “Ransomware attack.”
A ransomware attack usually is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid.
“We now have a major systems outage and need to close campus today, Wednesday, November 24,” Trzaska said in his message. “All systems are down including email, blackboard, phones, colleague, etc.
“Buildings are secure and we are treating this just like a snow day on campus regarding access,” he said.
Trzaska asked that people not use the college email system or open any files “to be safe.”
Laura Inow, LCCC’s Manager of Marketing & Public Relations, on Wednesday morning said the college leadership and information technology department were working to investigate the extent of the issues. She said the ransomware attack happened late on Tuesday, Nov. 23, prompting a shutdown of all campuses.
All LCCC computer systems have been taken offline to prevent any further issues, she said.
“We do not know when systems may be restored, but are working diligently to investigate and resolve,” Inlow said. “We will continue to keep the campus team, students and the community posted with updates via social media, our alert systems and through our regional media.”