Colombia warns of 'politically motivated' hack months after personal data stolen

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Politically motivated hackers Sensitive personal information leaked Information from last year’s breach, including Social Security numbers and dates of birth from Columbia University The school told community members that the computer system.

“Affected data includes your name, date of birth and Social Security number, as well as any personal information you provided when you applied Colombiaor information we collect during your enrollment,” Columbia wrote in an email on Monday. independent. “This includes your contact information, demographic information, academic history, financial aid-related information, and any insurance-related information and health information.”

The university added that it was not aware of any identity theft or fraud related to the breach, and it has implemented new protections in its systems. Columbia also offers free credit monitoring and identity restoration services to students.

independent Colombia has been contacted regarding the extent of the violation.

On or about May 15, 2025, an unauthorized third party obtained colombian system and took the documents.

Columbia University is warning community members that a politically motivated “hacktivist” broke into the school’s systems last summer and stole the personal data of thousands of people while the university was negotiating with the Trump administration. (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. all rights reserved.)

University computer systems crippled during hacker attack, Donald Trump smiling image Appearing on computer screens at some universities.

University explain The July leak appeared to be a “highly sophisticated” work by an “activist” to “advance their political agenda.”

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Hacking attack occurred while in college Negotiating with the Trump Administration Reinstate hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding withdrawn amid accusations of anti-Semitism and discrimination on campuses.

One of the hackers who claimed the attack told Bloomberg they stole the information to see if Columbia was still using race-conscious affirmative action in admissions, The Supreme Court struck down the practice in 2023.

The university reached a settlement with the Trump administration in July, restoring hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding that had been withdrawn as Columbia faced accusations of anti-Semitism on campus (Getty Images)

The hackers claimed to have stolen data related to students, employees and applicants, including financial aid packages, employee salaries and at least 1.8 million Social Security numbers.

The university hired the FBI and cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike to investigate what happened inside its systems.

According to Bloomberg, the data breach affected approximately 870,000 people reportciting a draft notice Columbia sent to state officials.

July 2025, Colombia settle down Working with the Trump administration, agree Pay more than $220 million, change admissions policies, hire certain types of teachers, and impose certain restrictions and monitoring of campus protests.