Illinois Valley Community College’s administrators believe the computer hack they discovered Friday can be fixed and a private company can do it. They don’t know what it’ll cost yet, but they believe the computer systems can be unlocked within ten days. IVCC Vice President for Business Services and Finance Cheryl Roelfsema said at an emergency board meeting Saturday, it needs to be done. Payroll, student registration, and email are down.
IVCC’s web site was also unavailable Saturday morning. The board members and administrators didn’t call it a ransomware attack, but they’re going with a forensic investigation that could help the FBI, State’s Attorney, and Attorney General prosecute someone. And IVCC President Jerry Corcoran said it’s eerie that LaSalle County just had its computer problems–which were from a ransomware attack.
Board member David Mallery said the extra cost of a forensic investigation is one he’s willing to spend. Board attorney Walt Zukowski said it could help build a criminal case against the attacker, in addition to helping everyone understand just what happened.
Some of the IVCC personnel attending an emergency board meeting Saturday, April 25. Some participants were involved via a Zoom online meeting room.