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Ransomware Hits Lewis and Clark Community College Network

The Illinois school's computer network, including phones, email and applications, went down early this morning due to a ransomware attack, prompting administrators to close campus for the day.

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(TNS) — Campus computer networks were down Wednesday morning at Lewis and 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, Nov. 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 said he was on campus and more information would be shared this morning. He asked that people not use the college email system or open any files "to be safe."

©2021 The Telegraph (Alton, Ill.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.