Tech

Hackers Publish Personal Information Stolen During Harvard, UPenn Data Breaches

AC
Alex Chen
Tech Journalist & Product Reviewer
Image from techcrunch.com
Image source: TechCrunch

Hackers have published personal information stolen during recent data breaches at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania. The cybercrime group ShinyHunters took responsibility for the hacking and published the stolen data on its extortion website.

According to TechCrunch, the group claimed to have stolen sensitive information from both institutions, including names, addresses, and social security numbers. The hackers demanded payment in exchange for deleting the stolen data.

This incident highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the importance of protecting sensitive information. Both Harvard and UPenn have acknowledged the breach and are taking steps to notify affected individuals and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The ShinyHunters group has been linked to several high-profile data breaches in recent years, including a 2023 incident that compromised the personal data of millions of users. The group's tactics have raised concerns among cybersecurity experts, who warn that the use of extortion and blackmail to obtain payment is a growing trend in the cybercrime world.

The publication of the stolen data has sparked outrage among students, faculty, and alumni at both institutions. Many have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the breach, including identity theft and financial fraud.

In response to the breach, Harvard and UPenn have issued statements assuring students and faculty that they are taking steps to protect sensitive information and prevent similar incidents in the future. The institutions have also offered support to affected individuals, including credit monitoring and identity theft protection services.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and the need for institutions to prioritize the protection of sensitive information. As the threat of cybercrime continues to grow, it is essential that individuals and organizations take steps to prevent and respond to data breaches.

Sources

[9] Hackers publish personal information stolen during Harvard, UPenn data breaches