Students react to ransomware attack on KCC, say it's a waiting game during finals week
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — A ransomware attack shut down Kellogg Community College during the final weeks of the spring semester.
All five school campuses were closed after the school's systems were hit by a ransomware attack over the weekend.
KCC was a ghost town on Monday, which was supposed to be the start of finals week.
"When I pulled up, I noticed there were no cars around and thought something was going on. but had to check because I was supposed to have my exams today," KCC student Solomon Patray III said.
With school email down from the hack, some students, like Patray said they missed the alert and came to campus ready to take their final exams. Instead, they were met with signs on school buildings that say KCC is closed.
“I’m majoring in cyber security, so I know a little bit about this," Patray said. "It interests me and is something in today's world that is a huge issue.”
KCC spokesman Eric Greene said because of the ransomware attack, student and staff can't access campus emails or online classes and resources.
He said the college's IT experts were working to restore operations and all systems will remain offline until deemed secure.
“I have three finals this week, two big essays and then one big exam that are all due by Sunday," KCC student Storm Rowles said. "We can’t access any of that at the moment, I guess it’s just waiting to see when we can.”
Rowles was finishing up his second year at KCC and was planning to transfer to Grand Valley State University in the fall.
With classes ending on May 9 and commencement scheduled for May 12, Rowles said it's a waiting game as to when he'll be able to finish his school work.
“I guess my biggest worry is the work piling up and then I hope it doesn't affect my final grade in my classes and my overall GPA,” he said.
An alert went out to students and staff on Sunday night that said all campuses will remain closed until further notice and classes will be canceled until the college is able to safely reopen.
"We want to reassure our faculty and students that we will take any actions necessary for students to complete course work in a timely manner and appreciate your patience and support in the meantime," the alert said.
Greene said KCC hopes to be able to welcome back students and staff later this week.
He said the college will continue to be transparent with students and staff and provide updates when they know more.
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