Cork campuses remained closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

IT breach at MTU

Gardaí are continuing to make enquiries following a significant IT breach and telephone outage at MTU Cork.

Cork campuses remained closed on Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure the protection of student and staff data.

It will remain closed until next Monday and then will re-open on a phased basis.

MTU’s Kerry campuses remain unaffected by the breach. The college said its IT security systems were able to detect the breach at an early stage and that all appropriate procedures and protocols are maintained.

“Following the breach, we have been in close contact with all the relevant authorities and stakeholders including An Garda Síochána, the National Cyber Security Centre, the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science,” MTU said in its latest statement.

“Our students’ education is a top priority for us and we appreciate the patience of all students, staff and stakeholders while we complete this vital work. We are currently assessing the most appropriate solutions to allow us to return to teaching as normal and reopen our campuses.”

The college said it has robust contingency plans in place for such an event and that core systems such as email, HR, finance, and payroll remain unaffected and are continuing to operate. The statement continued: “This also means that the majority of our staff can continue to work remotely while we plan our safe return to teaching.

“The welfare of our staff and students remains our number one priority. Our student counselling service is continuing to operate at this time to offer support to any students who may need it. We are also extending this support to any of our staff who may be in need at this time.”

The campuses affected by the IT breach include Bishopstown, NMCI, Crawford College of Art & Design and the Cork School of Music.

Yesterday, gardaí confirmed that the breach had been reported to Togher Garda Station and enquiries are ongoing.