MTU reveal some IT breach details

MTU has been the target of a malicious cyber attack with the intention of demanding ransom, the college has confirmed this morning.

The cyber attack, which was first detected at the weekend, resulted in the encryption of a number of MTU systems.

The university said its IT security systems took immediate steps to intercept and manage the incident.

The college, whose Cork campuses include Bishopstown, NMCI, Crawford College of Art & Design and the Cork School of Music, has been in close contact with the National Cyber Security Centre, the Data Protection Commissions, An Garda Síochána, and other relevant stakeholders including government departments.

No Kerry campuses have been affected by the attack.

“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,” MTU said in a statement.

The college also confirmed that it will notify any affected individuals in line with its data protection obligations.

The statement continued: “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.”