NYU Website Hacked, Defaced with Racial Slurs and Data Purporting to Show Racial Preferences in Admissions
New York University became the target of a cyberattack that resulted in the defacement of its website with racist messaging and the display of data purportedly revealing racial preferences in the university’s admissions process. The incident, which lasted for several hours on Saturday morning, marks a serious breach and raises concerns about data security and the potential for the spread of misinformation.
The homepage of NYU’s website was hijacked by an individual identifying themselves on X (formerly Twitter) with a racial slur as their handle. This individual, using the handle "@bestnggy," posted a message stating, "On June 29 2023, racial affirmative action in college admissions was ruled illegal. Computer Nggy Exploitation (CNE) reveals NYU continued anyway.” The message was accompanied by a graph presenting the average SAT scores, ACT scores, and grade point averages of NYU applicants admitted to the university, categorized by race.
The hacker also shared links to what they claimed were mirrors of the data used to create the graphs. They identified this data as “raw data” with personally identifiable information redacted. The hacker alleged on X that the data originated from NYU’s own data warehouse and that they had only revealed the “bare minimum” to demonstrate that the university was violating the law. The same individual also claimed responsibility for a prior breach of the University of Minnesota’s systems in 2023, which reportedly exposed millions of social security numbers.
The core accusation leveled by the hacker is that NYU is engaging in race-based admissions practices. The underlying implication is that some students are being admitted based on their race, even if their test scores and GPAs would not otherwise qualify them for admission. This narrative has gained traction on X, with some accounts using the data to suggest that NYU has been giving preferential treatment to students based on their race.
However, it’s crucial to note that the data presented by the hacker does not provide conclusive evidence of racial preferences in admissions. NYU is a test-optional institution, meaning that applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores. Students who choose to submit their scores are likely those who believe their scores will positively influence their application. This creates a self-selecting sample, which can skew the data.
Furthermore, standardized test scores are often correlated with wealth and socioeconomic status. Students from affluent families typically have access to better educational resources, test preparation programs, and other advantages that can improve their scores. These disparities can have a significant impact on the overall test scores of different racial groups. It is essential to consider the broader context of wealth inequality when interpreting data related to standardized test scores and college admissions.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are designed to address these systemic inequalities. The goal is to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds have equal opportunities, regardless of their socioeconomic status or access to resources. DEI initiatives recognize that individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds may face unique challenges that can impact their academic performance and access to higher education.
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in college admissions, NYU has publicly disclosed data on its incoming classes. This data indicates a decline in the representation of historically underrepresented minority groups in the class of 2028. This decline highlights the potential impact of the Supreme Court’s decision on diversity in higher education.
The hacker and those who amplified the data on social media may assert they are standing up for a commitment to the "rule of law," but this action seems more akin to a racially motivated campaign to discredit universities. The motivations behind this cyberattack appear to be rooted in racism and a desire to punish universities perceived as promoting diversity and inclusion. These types of attacks could be interpreted as fueled by the broader conservative movement which has sought to undermine higher education.
The incident underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for educational institutions. Universities hold vast amounts of sensitive data, including student records, financial information, and research data. It is crucial for universities to invest in security infrastructure, implement strict access controls, and regularly monitor their systems for suspicious activity. They also need to prepare for a world of AI based hacking tools that are becoming more powerful and easier to use every day.
The attack on NYU serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing higher education institutions in the digital age. Universities must remain vigilant in protecting their systems and data from cyber threats while also addressing the underlying issues of racism and inequality that fuel such attacks. The spread of misinformation and the manipulation of data can have serious consequences, and it is essential to critically evaluate information and challenge narratives that perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
This attack also raises concerns about the role of social media platforms in amplifying hate speech and misinformation. The hacker was able to use X to promote their racist message and disseminate the stolen data. Social media companies have a responsibility to address hate speech and disinformation on their platforms and to prevent their services from being used to spread harmful content. The current owner of X is actively supporting the type of views this hacker has.
The incident at NYU is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equity in higher education. Universities must remain committed to creating inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students. This requires addressing systemic inequalities, promoting diversity, and challenging racism in all its forms. While universities have always been a target of political attacks, they must navigate an increasingly complex technological environment while doing so.
