Northumbria University Campus Closed, Exams Cancelled Following Data Breach

A significant Northumbria University data breach has been discovered.

The breach, thought to have happened last week, has stalled activity at the university, according to Chronicle Live. Exams have been cancelled, and student access to campus has been limited as a result of the breach.

Experts in the field are working to restore networks at Northumbria University as quickly as possible.

Deputy vice-chancellor Peter Francis sent out a letter to students notifying them of the Northumbria University data breach.

The letter explained that Northumbria University was undergoing a continuing IT problem that created a major disruption in its online operations, and a “cyber incident” occurred. 

The letter continued by confirming that a group of external experts has initiated an investigation into the Northumbria University data breach. 

The investigation is still in its early stages, so the specific details of the breach are unknown, but experts are moving quickly to resolve the issue to keep data safe. 

Students will not have access to Northumbria University platforms such as the student portal or blackboard.

Students may be worried about scrambling to study for tests over the next few weeks, but deadline extensions will be given, according to the university’s website.

Northumbria University wants students to know the data breach will not affect their test grades, as they will be given ample time and exam schedules will be moved.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), Northumbria police and other authorities have been notified about the cyber attack on Northumbria University’s system. 

The school was also incapable of taking calls about clearing, which is an essential part of the university’s attempt to fill courses’ open seats. 

The Northumbria University data breach appears to be a ransomware attack, according to an Infosecurity Magazine report. 

It has not been reported whether the Northumbria University data breach included data theft. 

Universities seem to be targets for cyberattacks due to their potentially easy exposure.

Last month, research showed that a third of universities in the U.K. have been victims of ransomware attacks in the last 10 years. 

Kelvin Murray, senior threat research analyst at Webroot, said the “distributed nature” of university networks makes them more difficult to secure from attacks, according to Infosecurity Magazine. 

“Security awareness training should be implemented for staff and students from day one, ensuring that they are vigilant in scrutinizing the emails they receive,” he said. “This should be underpinned by cybersecurity technology such as email filtering, anti-virus protection, and sensible password policies.”

Dave Palmer, director of technology at Darktrace, explained the intricacies of the Northumbria University to IT Pro: “While the exact details of this attack are yet to be revealed, universities receive the largest number of targeted phishing emails, which trick the recipient into clicking a malicious link or transferring funds. Attackers are constantly innovating and they will only get more sophisticated. Universities typically have complex and porous digital systems so attackers can often find their way back in repeatedly to cause more harm.”

Francis ended his letter to students reminding them to be aware of any suspicious online activity.

He asks students to report any questionable activity to the Northumbria University IT service desk at 0191 227 4242, and to contact Ask4Help@Northumbria.ac.uk with any other questions.

“I recognise this is a very challenging time for us all and I would like to thank you in advance for your support and patience on this matter,” Francis’s letter continues. “I will provide an update as soon as we have further news so please keep monitoring your email if accessible, as well as our Twitter and Facebook feeds,” as stated on the University’s student FAQ page.

Do you think universities should have more stringent IT security? Share how you feel in the comments.

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