---
title: 157-Year-Old Lincoln College Succumbed To Ransomware Attack
description: Interested in 157-Year-Old Lincoln College Succumbed To A Ransomware Attack? Click here. 4BIS.COM - your managed IT support experts in Cincinnati.
image: https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Lincoln-College-Ransomware-Attack-1.jpg
---

[Skip to main content](https://www.4bis.com/blog/157-year-old-lincoln-college-succumbed-to-a-ransomware-attack#main-content)

[![Location](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/map.svg) 14 Knollcrest Dr, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237 

](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8isBtwW6Fds56wL59)

[![Phone](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/phone.svg) (513) 494-4444 

](tel:+15134944444)

- [![Facebook](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/facebook.svg) ](https://www.facebook.com/4BISCOM/)
- [![Youtube](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/Youtube.svg) ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrMwOjFikFV7FLdpWYcwwOw)
- [![Linkedin](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/Linkedin.svg) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/techservicescincinnati)
- [![Instagram](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/Instagram.svg) ](https://www.instagram.com/4biscybersecurity/)

[Suspect Your Business is Being Hacked?](https://www.4bis.com/24-7-emergency-line-suspect-youre-being-hacked/)

[Contact Us](https://www.4bis.com/contact-us/)

[![4bis](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/4bis-logo.svg) ![4bis](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/4bis-logo.svg) ](https://www.4bis.com)

- Show submenu for Services  Services 
  
    - [ Managed IT Support Services ](https://www.4bis.com/cincinnati-it-services)
    - [ Cyber Security ](https://www.4bis.com/cybersecurity-cincinnati)
    - [ Co-Managed Cyber Security ](https://www.4bis.com/4bis-co-managed-it-security-services)
- Show submenu for Solutions  Solutions 
  
    - [ I'm worried about my cyber security ](https://www.4bis.com/cybersecurity-cincinnati)
    - [ I have an IT staff but need cyber security help ](https://www.4bis.com/4bis-co-managed-it-security-services)
    - [ I'm worried I have been hacked ](https://www.4bis.com/rapid-ransomware-recovery-services/)
    - [ I have issues with my current IT provider ](https://www.4bis.com/blog/managed-it-provider-in-cincinnati)
    - [ Tech can't keep pace with growing business ](https://www.4bis.com/blog/cybersecurity-risk-assessment-proactive-versus-reactive)
    - [ I'm having server issues ](https://www.4bis.com/tailored-server-management-services/)
- Show submenu for Learning Center  Learning Center 
  
    - [ Blog and Updates | 4BIS Cyber Security & IT Services ](https://www.4bis.com/blog)
    - [ Listen to our Podcast! ](https://www.4bis.com/listen-to-our-podcast/)
    - [ 4BIS in the Press & News ](https://www.4bis.com/4bis-in-the-press-news)
- Show submenu for Contact Us  Contact Us 
  
    - [ Contact ](https://www.4bis.com/contact-us/)
    - [ About ](https://www.4bis.com/its-about-supporting-you/)
    - [ Remote Support ](https://4bistech.screenconnect.com/)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- Show submenu for Services  Services 
  
    - Services
    - [ Managed IT Support Services ](https://www.4bis.com/cincinnati-it-services)
    - [ Cyber Security ](https://www.4bis.com/cybersecurity-cincinnati)
    - [ Co-Managed Cyber Security ](https://www.4bis.com/4bis-co-managed-it-security-services)
- Show submenu for Solutions  Solutions 
  
    - Solutions
    - [ I'm worried about my cyber security ](https://www.4bis.com/cybersecurity-cincinnati)
    - [ I have an IT staff but need cyber security help ](https://www.4bis.com/4bis-co-managed-it-security-services)
    - [ I'm worried I have been hacked ](https://www.4bis.com/rapid-ransomware-recovery-services/)
    - [ I have issues with my current IT provider ](https://www.4bis.com/blog/managed-it-provider-in-cincinnati)
    - [ Tech can't keep pace with growing business ](https://www.4bis.com/blog/cybersecurity-risk-assessment-proactive-versus-reactive)
    - [ I'm having server issues ](https://www.4bis.com/tailored-server-management-services/)
- Show submenu for Learning Center  Learning Center 
  
    - Learning Center
    - [ Blog and Updates | 4BIS Cyber Security & IT Services ](https://www.4bis.com/blog)
    - [ Listen to our Podcast! ](https://www.4bis.com/listen-to-our-podcast/)
    - [ 4BIS in the Press & News ](https://www.4bis.com/4bis-in-the-press-news)
- Show submenu for Contact Us  Contact Us 
  
    - Contact Us
    - [ Contact ](https://www.4bis.com/contact-us/)
    - [ About ](https://www.4bis.com/its-about-supporting-you/)
    - [ Remote Support ](https://4bistech.screenconnect.com/)

- Show submenu for Services  Services 
  
    - Services
    - [ Managed IT Support Services ](https://www.4bis.com/cincinnati-it-services)
    - [ Cyber Security ](https://www.4bis.com/cybersecurity-cincinnati)
    - [ Co-Managed Cyber Security ](https://www.4bis.com/4bis-co-managed-it-security-services)
- Show submenu for Solutions  Solutions 
  
    - Solutions
    - [ I'm worried about my cyber security ](https://www.4bis.com/cybersecurity-cincinnati)
    - [ I have an IT staff but need cyber security help ](https://www.4bis.com/4bis-co-managed-it-security-services)
    - [ I'm worried I have been hacked ](https://www.4bis.com/rapid-ransomware-recovery-services/)
    - [ I have issues with my current IT provider ](https://www.4bis.com/blog/managed-it-provider-in-cincinnati)
    - [ Tech can't keep pace with growing business ](https://www.4bis.com/blog/cybersecurity-risk-assessment-proactive-versus-reactive)
    - [ I'm having server issues ](https://www.4bis.com/tailored-server-management-services/)
- Show submenu for Learning Center  Learning Center 
  
    - Learning Center
    - [ Blog and Updates | 4BIS Cyber Security & IT Services ](https://www.4bis.com/blog)
    - [ Listen to our Podcast! ](https://www.4bis.com/listen-to-our-podcast/)
    - [ 4BIS in the Press & News ](https://www.4bis.com/4bis-in-the-press-news)
- Show submenu for Contact Us  Contact Us 
  
    - Contact Us
    - [ Contact ](https://www.4bis.com/contact-us/)
    - [ About ](https://www.4bis.com/its-about-supporting-you/)
    - [ Remote Support ](https://4bistech.screenconnect.com/)

- [![Facebook](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/facebook.svg) ](https://www.facebook.com/4BISCOM/)
- [![Youtube](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/Youtube.svg) ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrMwOjFikFV7FLdpWYcwwOw)
- [![Linkedin](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/Linkedin.svg) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/techservicescincinnati)
- [![Instagram](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/Instagram.svg) ](https://www.instagram.com/4biscybersecurity/)

- Services 
    - [Managed IT Support Services](https://www.4bis.com/cincinnati-it-services)
    - [Cyber Security](https://www.4bis.com/cybersecurity-cincinnati)
    - [Co-Managed Cyber Security](https://www.4bis.com/4bis-co-managed-it-security-services)
- Solutions 
    - [I'm worried about my cyber security](https://www.4bis.com/cybersecurity-cincinnati)
    - [I have an IT staff but need cyber security help](https://www.4bis.com/4bis-co-managed-it-security-services)
    - [I'm worried I have been hacked](https://www.4bis.com/rapid-ransomware-recovery-services/)
    - [I have issues with my current IT provider](https://www.4bis.com/blog/managed-it-provider-in-cincinnati)
    - [Tech can't keep pace with growing business](https://www.4bis.com/blog/cybersecurity-risk-assessment-proactive-versus-reactive)
    - [I'm having server issues](https://www.4bis.com/tailored-server-management-services/)
- Learning Center 
    - [Blog and Updates | 4BIS Cyber Security & IT Services](https://www.4bis.com/blog)
    - [Listen to our Podcast!](https://www.4bis.com/listen-to-our-podcast/)
    - [4BIS in the Press & News](https://www.4bis.com/4bis-in-the-press-news)
- Contact Us 
    - [Contact](https://www.4bis.com/contact-us/)
    - [About](https://www.4bis.com/its-about-supporting-you/)
    - [Remote Support](https://4bistech.screenconnect.com/)

# 157-Year-Old Lincoln College Succumbed To Ransomware Attack

On May 13th, 2022, a college that has remained open through two world wars, the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic, and the Great Depression will close its doors. The college has been struggling to stay afloat in recent years, and the coronavirus pandemic and a recent ransomware attack have dealt a fatal blow.

The college’s closure will be a significant loss for the community, as it has been a source of education and employment for many generations. The college’s decision to close is a sign of the times, as more and more colleges face financial difficulties due to the pandemic.

It is an unfortunate reality that the long-standing institution will soon be no more.

Lincoln College — a historically Black college in rural central Illinois that broke ground on President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in 1865 — tried but failed to raise enough money to recover from the combined impact of COVID-19 and a December cyber attack, [David Gerlach](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgerlach/), the college’s president, said in a statement.

The college had hoped to use the funds to cover expenses related to the pandemic and the cyberattack, which shut down the school’s computer systems and caused “significant financial losses.” According to Gerlach, the college has made some progress in restoring its systems, but it is still facing “major challenges.”

He did not say how much money the school was seeking or where the funds would come from. The news comes as many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are struggling to stay afloat amid the pandemic. Earlier this month, Maryland’s [Bowie State University ](https://www.bowiestate.edu/)announced laying off more than 100 employees.

And last year, [Florida A&M University](https://www.famu.edu/) laid off nearly 200 employees and imposed a hiring freeze to cut costs. With their already tight budgets, HBCUs have been hit hard by the pandemic, which has led to a decline in enrollment and revenue.

![Unrecognizable young hacker in hoodie using laptop in blurry city. Concept of cybersecurity. Toned image. Double exposure of security interface](https://www.4bis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Lincoln-College-Ransomware-Attack-1.jpg?width=569&height=303&name=Lincoln-College-Ransomware-Attack-1.jpg)

## Ransomware Blocks Access To Critical Information

Lincoln College, which has roughly 600 students, saw its enrollment fall after the coronavirus hit, disrupting its operations and finances. As the school struggled to stay afloat, a [ransomware](https://www.4bis.com/rapid-ransomware-recovery-services/) attack blocked the college from accessing data used in its student recruitment and retention and fundraising efforts.

The attack, which occurred over the summer, was particularly damaging because it came when the college was already facing significant financial challenges. Lincoln is just one of many colleges that have been hit by ransomware attacks in recent years.

These attacks have cost colleges millions of dollars in damages and have led to disruptions in campus operations. They have even forced schools to close their doors permanently in some cases. Given the financial challenges that many colleges are currently facing, it is likely that we will see even more ransomware attacks in the coming years.

According to the school’s statement, by the time Lincoln regained access to its vital computer systems in March, estimates had shown “significant enrollment shortfalls” requiring a “transformational donation or partnership to sustain Lincoln College beyond the current semester,” the school’s statement outlined. The shortfall was caused by a malware attack that shut down the college’s online and on-campus operations for nearly two weeks.

The attack also disrupted the school’s ability to process new applications, causing a drop in incoming students.

![James Forbis](https://www.4bis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/post%20image/James%20Forbis.png?width=120&height=120&name=James%20Forbis.png)

[James Forbis](https://www.4bis.com/blog/author/james-forbis)

James Forbis is a cybersecurity professional, business owner, and best selling author with over 30 years of experience in the IT industry. James is guided by a personal motto to never stop learning. That drive has pushed him to grow a company that is securing and supporting thousands of users. James is a Certified Ethical Hacker and he uses that to stay up to date with the emerging trends of cybersecurity and at the forefront of security for small and medium business.

[James' Amazon Author Page](https://www.amazon.com/James-Forbis/e/B0C7LTHVH7/ref=aufs_dp_mata_dsk)

[mailto:](mailto:)

POSTED ON:May 12, 2022

This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached.

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

- [Blog](https://www.4bis.com/blog/tag/blog)
- [Cyber Security](https://www.4bis.com/blog/tag/cyber-security)
- [Newsletter](https://www.4bis.com/blog/tag/newsletter)
- [IT Services](https://www.4bis.com/blog/tag/it-services)
- [Email Security](https://www.4bis.com/blog/tag/email-security)
- [Reviews](https://www.4bis.com/blog/tag/reviews)
- [Success Stories](https://www.4bis.com/blog/tag/success-stories)

###### Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Enter your email to receive the latest news and to learn about interesting events.

 `

[![4bis](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/footer-logo.svg) ](https://www.4bis.com/home-old)

4BIS Cyber Security & IT Services has been serving the Greater Cincinnati area since 1996, providing IT services, including technical support, managed IT services, business continuity planning, VoIP phone services, and more.

##### MENU

- [Managed IT Services](https://www.4bis.com/cincinnati-it-services)
- [Cloud Managed Services](https://www.4bis.com/4bis-cloud-managed-services-for-scalable-success/)
- [Managed Security Services](https://www.4bis.com/cybersecurity-cincinnati)
- [Technical Support](https://www.4bis.com/computer-services-cincinnati-oh/)
- [Blog](https://www.4bis.com/blog)
- [Sitemap](https://www.4bis.com/sitemap/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.4bis.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Website Accessibility](https://www.4bis.com/website-accessibility/)

##### Follow us

- [![facebook](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/facebook.svg) Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/4BISCOM/)
- [![Youtube](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/Youtube.svg) Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrMwOjFikFV7FLdpWYcwwOw)
- [![Linkedin](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/Linkedin.svg) Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/techservicescincinnati)
- [![Instagram](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/Instagram.svg) Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/4biscybersecurity/)

##### Contact Info

![contact](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/contact.svg)

[(513) 494-4444](tel:5134944444)

![mail](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/mail.svg)

[info@4bis.com](mailto:info@4bis.com)

![location](https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/sr-4bis-2026/images/location.svg)

14 Knollcrest Drive  
Cincinnati, Ohio 45237

© 2026 4BIS Cyber Security & IT Services. All Rights Reserved

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "James Forbis",
    "url" : "https://www.4bis.com/blog/author/james-forbis"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-04-21T08:08:12.585Z",
  "datePublished" : "2022-05-12T15:15:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "157-Year-Old Lincoln College Succumbed To Ransomware Attack",
  "image" : [ "https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Lincoln-College-Ransomware-Attack-1.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.4bis.com/blog/157-year-old-lincoln-college-succumbed-to-a-ransomware-attack",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.4bis.com/hubfs/1%20Use%20This%204BIS%20Logo%20Box%20High%20Res%20Transparent.png"
    },
    "name" : "4BIS Cyber Security"
  }
}
```