What Is This About?

According to dark web monitoring sources, University of Illinois Chicago (“UIC”) of Chicago, Illinois, may have experienced a data breach allegedly carried out by the threat group known as Booba Project. Our firm is investigating this incident and would like to speak with current and former students, faculty, and staff of UIC.

What Happened?

On or around October 2, 2026, dark web monitoring websites including Ransomware.live detected that the cybercriminal threat group known as Booba Project had claimed to have breached data from UIC in a post made to the threat group’s dark web leak site.

As of publication, UIC has not confirmed the alleged breach’s authenticity. Details of the alleged breach, such as the full scope of potentially affected information and the number of potentially affected individuals, remain under investigation.

What Information Was Impacted?

While UIC has not confirmed the alleged breach nor its associated details, based on the nature of ransomware attacks on universities, the categories of information that may have been compromised may include, but is not limited to:

• Names;
• Student or academic information such as enrollment or education records;
• Employment or financial information;
• Contact information;
• Demographic information; and
• Other sensitive personal information.

What Action Can You Take?

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected persons are entitled to compensation. If you are a current or former student, faculty member, or staff member of UIC, there is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out about your rights and potential legal remedies available.