The Department of Criminal Justice suffered a cyber attack targeting its forensic science and cybersecurity technology programs, compromising sensitive student records, research data, and mock trial/crime scene investigation simulations. The breach exposed personal details of students (e.g., internship placements, academic performance, and background checks for law enforcement training), as well as proprietary forensic methodologies used in training. Additionally, the attack disrupted digital evidence databases tied to the Aggie Sleuths and Mock Trial Team, potentially undermining the integrity of simulated investigations and legal exercises.The incident also risked reputational damage due to the department’s role in educating future cybersecurity and law enforcement professionals. While no ransomware was deployed, the attack exploited vulnerabilities in the department’s IT infrastructure, likely through phishing or unpatched systems. The leaked data included draft research on criminal justice trends, student-led investigations, and collaborations with external agencies, raising concerns about operational security. The department faced scrutiny over its ability to safeguard data critical to public-sector careers, though no immediate financial losses or physical harm were reported.
Source: https://www.ncat.edu/cahss/departments/criminal-justice/index.php
TPRM report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/shsu-cj
"id": "shs2640826102825",
"linkid": "shsu-cj",
"type": "Cyber Attack",
"date": "10/2025",
"severity": "60",
"impact": "3",
"explanation": "Attack with significant impact with internal employee data leaks"{'affected_entities': [{'industry': 'Higher Education',
'name': 'Department of Criminal Justice',
'type': 'Educational Institution (University '
'Department)'}],
'description': 'The mission of the Department of Criminal Justice is to '
'educate students about criminology and the criminal justice '
'system in preparation for advanced study and careers in '
'government and the private sector. The program has '
'accomplished and talented instructors in law enforcement, '
'criminal justice, cybersecurity technology, and forensic '
'science-crime scene investigation.\n'
'\n'
'The department also provides extra-curricular outlets to its '
'students, such as the E.A. Ralston Criminal Justice Society, '
'Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society, Mock Trial '
'Team, and Aggie Sleuths, where students simulate real-life '
'activities as crime scene investigators, attorneys, and '
'computer forensic investigators. Our students can engage in '
'internships and participate in research and other scholarly '
'activities.'}