Rutgers University Trying To Restore Computer Systems After Denial-Of-Service Attack
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Rutgers University is working round the clock to restore its computer systems after a weekend cyberattack.
It started Friday afternoon when the university was hit with the distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack.
That's when a user directs other computers on a network to target and contact a computer server or particular website. The influx of traffic then causes Internet service to either slow down or shut down completely.
The disruption affected tools used by both students and faculty.
"The attack just made it impossible to get on the Internet for the most part," said senior Nathan Gilson.
"The system was down, so accessing email was shut down, and then it was hard finding any information because it sounded like it wasn't posted on a lot of Rutgers websites," said Brian Chu, associate professor of psychology.
One of the biggest issues was the inability to access a university tool called Sakai.
"It's basically the virtual version of our classroom," said junior John Harris. "They'll give you assignments, they'll give you supplemental study materials, if you have PowerPoints, they put the lectures up on there ... it's a vital tool."
"I had an assignment due at 12 p.m. on Saturday, and I wasn't able to get onto my email, get onto Sakai to submit the assignment," said sophomore Sarah Robbie.
"I have two tests today, and I wasn't able to get my exam reviews to study for the test, so I'm going blank right now to the test," said freshman Andres Alvarez.
Many students also complained that the school waited two days to finally notify them of the problem through an email.
"I'm a little disappointed with the fact that it took them until Sunday afternoon to actually tell students and staff about what had occurred," said junior Thomas Zobele.
"I mean, it's been going on for four days now," junior Alex Labelman told 1010 WINS' Rebecca Granet. "At first it was kind of whatever, but now it's getting kind of ridiculous."
The school says it hasn't detected any theft of personal or confidential information, but that it will continue to monitor the situation closely. The FBI is also involved in the investigation, Granet reported.
Students, however, remain concerned.
"They have all of our Social Security numbers and all that kind of stuff, like personal addresses and stuff," Alvarez said.
Students said many professors have postponed tests and assignments as result of the disruption.