Hackers target National Student Clearinghouse, threatening to expose U. data

A ransomware hack of the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) files that occurred last week could impact the private files of dozens of major universities, including Rutgers, according to NJ Advance Media.

The organization works with 3,600 schools and helps provide reports, data, research and other services to them, according to the NSC website.

The hackers were members of Clop, a Russian hacker group, and are now threatening to release the data if not paid a ransom, according to the article.

"At this time, the impact on Rutgers information is unclear," University officials told NJ Advanced Media. "The NSC is investigating the issue, and Rutgers administrators are monitoring the issue closely and coordinating with the NSC to address any impact on the Rutgers community."

Rutgers also clarified that its internal systems had not been breached, and the University will provide further updates to the community once more information becomes available.