On Mar. 13, Monmouth University President, Dr. Patrick F. Leahy sent an email to the students of Monmouth University informing them of a cybersecurity incident that according to the email, “resulted in unauthorized access to certain information on our network.”
Leahy said that immediately after the incident cybersecurity experts and law enforcement were involved to assist in the investigation. Leahy reassured the Monmouth Community in the email that there was no operational disruption and that the university systems and platforms would operate as normal, adding that the individuals whose information was involved will be contacted directly.
With little information about this matter, the editorial team discussed the email and matter of this incident.
Two editors agreed that it was concerning how vague the email was. One editor began by saying, “For one, it concerned me with how easily this happened and how the school also seemingly doesn’t give, or rather know, much more info than the students regarding the leak.”
While the other editor said, “It was pretty concerning because it was pretty vague. The email didn’t really provide any information outside of that there was a security breach.”
Another editor understood why the university did not expose the students whose information was leaked but did agree with the sentiment that the email was very vague and wishes there was more information provided to the Monmouth community.
This editor added, “I believe being transparent with the university is important and buids trust between the university and its community.”
One editor said that cybersecurity is not something we talk about enough or are educated on enough therefore some lack knowledge when it comes to what should be done in these situations. “I do think companies and corporations have taken steps to prevent things like this from happening, but they do happen more often than the average person may think. It’s definitely something that needs more attention.”
“We get occasional emails about cybersecurity tips, but unfortunately, I don’t believe those are advertised properly. It would be awesome if there were way more emphasis on cybersecurity, given how dangerous the issue could get, but I can’t find the strength in me to sort through the thousand emails the school sends us in a month to find one specific notice that should catch the attention of the students,” another editor said.
An editor concluded, “I hope the university is dedicated to providing more information or even an update going forward to make sure the students and staff are kept in the loop and not worried about their information or the unknown of this situation.”
