Munster Technological University has confirmed that its Cork campuses have been targeted in a ransomware attack.
In a statement issued last night MTU say that some of their systems were encrypted for the purpose of demanding a ransom, with the incident being detected by their IT security systems last weekend, and that immediate steps were taken to intercept and manage the incident.
MTU say they are in close contact with the National Cyber Security Centre, the Dara Protection Commission, and Garda Siochana and other relevant stakeholders.
MTU’s campuses in Cork will remain closed until next Monday, and will reopen on a phased basis.
Around 13,000 students and 1,200 staff are affected, however MTU say that they do not need to take any action at this time, and that they will notify any affected students and staff will be notified in line with their data protection obligations.
MTU say the nature and extent of the incident including what data may have been breached is under investigation.
MTU's statement in full reads:
"Following extensive and ongoing initial investigations MTU can confirm that its Cork
campuses have been targeted in a cyber attack. The Kerry campuses of MTU remain
unaffected. The incident was detected by our IT security systems last weekend with
immediate steps being taken to intercept and manage the incident. The incident resulted in
the encryption of certain MTU systems for the purpose of demanding a ransom.
"Following this incident we have been in close and ongoing contact with the National Cyber
Security Centre, the Data Protection Commission, an Garda Síochána and other relevant
stakeholders including government departments.
"We have engaged highly specialised services and have been working closely with the expert
national authorities and our security partners in immediately instigating a dual process to
investigate the cause and extent of the attack as well as the safest and most efficient
recovery process.
"The nature and extent of this incident, including what data may have been breached,
remains under investigation. Students and staff do not need to take any action at this time
and MTU will notify any affected individuals in line with our data protection obligations.
"While it is still early in this process we are following all appropriate protocols and procedures
in order to minimise and mitigate any impact that this incident may have and to facilitate the
restoration of our education services as a top priority. We wish to reassure students and staff
that we are looking at all of our options as part of this dynamic and evolving situation.
"We appreciate the patience of all students, staff and stakeholders while we complete this
vital work."
