Harvard University is investigating a data breach after the Russian-speaking cybercrime group Clop claimed to have stolen information from the school. The attack targeted a vulnerability in the Oracle E-Business system, used by Harvard for administrative tasks, raising concerns for other organizations worldwide.
Clop, known for its high-profile extortion campaigns, posted a public threat saying it planned to release the stolen data unless a ransom is paid. Harvard confirmed it is aware of the incident, noting that initial findings suggest the breach was limited, affecting only a small administrative unit. The university applied a security patch to the Oracle system, and there is currently “no evidence of compromise to other University systems,” keeping most of Harvard’s network secure.
The breach is part of a broader global campaign by Clop against Oracle E-Business systems, with over 100 companies worldwide potentially targeted since July. Oracle issued patches in early October and later released an urgent update to fix additional vulnerabilities.
Clop is one of the most notorious cybercrime groups today, known for exploiting widely used software to demand large ransoms. The group gained global attention in 2023 after attacking the MoveIt file transfer software, compromising over 2,773 organizations and earning an estimated ₹665 crore ($75 million) in ransom. Previously, in 2019, Clop targeted Maastricht University in the Netherlands, locking students and staff out of systems until a ₹2 crore (€200,000) ransom was paid.
Experts warn that attacks like these highlight the risks of widely used enterprise software and the growing sophistication of cybercriminal networks. Harvard’s swift response, including patching vulnerabilities and limiting the breach, demonstrates the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
