In a letter to students , Imperial Valley College Superintendent Dr. Martha Garcia revealed that personal information was retrieved by the perpetrators of the ransomware attack discovered in August.

According to IVC , " the results of an investigation reflect that personal information was retrieved. While we have no evidence to suggest that any of the impacted information was viewed or misused during the compromise , we are working diligently to identify affected individuals and will notify them in accordance with all state and federal laws." 

On or about August 6, 2020 , IVC became aware of a an attack on the school's computer network. According to IVC , with the Fall semester scheduled to begin i just about 2 weeks later , the IVC IT department and a third party forensic company determined that paying the $55,068 ransom was the best thing to do. This allowed the school to get key systems up and running and start the Fall semester just one week late. The ransom money was paid by the schools insurance company. Currently most of the schools systems are fully operational. 

Over the nest 15 days , anyone directly affected by this incident will receive a letter providing direction and support.