Cork: Another ransomware attack in the Republic of Ireland, this time the University of Technology in Ireland has been locked down. Earlier last year, a hospital network in Ireland was hacked and the entire data leaked. The Euros paid to recover data from locked systems are yet to be accounted for. The current attack is after that.
MTU confirmed that the college was closed due to ransomware. Cork campuses remain closed. No updates at this time.
Ransomware is a type of malware from cryptovirology that threatens to publish the victim's personal data or permanently block access to it unless a ransom is paid off. While some simple ransomware may lock the system without damaging any files, more advanced malware uses a technique called cryptoviral extortion.
So far, it is not clear who the cyber attackers are or in which country they are operating. Minister Osian Smith said the ransomware attack was similar to the hack at the HSE in 2021 and was motivated by the demand for money.
Munster Technological University (MTU) classes and campuses will reopen as normal on Monday 13 February after being closed this week following a cyber attack on IT systems.
The college will be closed for several days from last Wednesday as processes continue to deal with the cyber attack that hit the college's main Bishopstown campus, Cork School of Music, and Crawford College of Art Design, National Maritime College in Ringaskiddy, a spokesman said.
“We have announced closure on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but we will resume all teaching and learning from Monday. Still the same. All teams are working on MTU's side," the spokesperson said.
"Students and staff members should check their email accounts and campus notice boards regularly for details of guidelines and updates on returning to campus," an MTU spokesperson said in a statement.
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