Day 2 of canceled classes at University of New Mexico after Health Sciences Center cyberattack
The University of New Mexico cancelled classes for a second day across its medicine, nursing and pharmacy faculties as it responds to a cyberattack on its Health Sciences Center. The incident disrupted clinical services and prompted ambulance diversions, but hospitals have resumed appointments and clinics while the university continues its recovery.
The attack began on 26 October, and the university says security teams moved to contain it, notified state and federal law enforcement, and brought in external partners. Nonessential Health Sciences Center staff were asked to stay home. A ransomware group called BYOD claimed it had compromised 36,000 machines and stolen personal and institutional data, but the university has not confirmed the attack’s nature or the group’s involvement.
In short
- UNM cancelled classes for a second day after a cyberattack.
- Hospital appointments and clinics have resumed.
- BYOD’s claims remain unverified.
Explained simply
The University of New Mexico’s Health Sciences Center brings together its medical, nursing and pharmacy schools with healthcare services. Its work includes teaching future health professionals and providing care to patients, so disruption can affect both students and the wider community.
A cyberattack is an attempt to disrupt or gain access to computer systems. In ransomware attacks, criminals may lock or copy data and demand payment, but the university has not confirmed what kind of attack occurred or who was responsible. BYOD is a group that has claimed involvement; that claim has not been verified by the university.
Universities and hospitals rely on digital systems for teaching, appointments and clinical coordination. When those systems are disrupted, classes may be paused and services can be affected, while security teams work to restore operations and protect information.
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