Suspected Ransomware Attack Disrupts Osaka Metropolitan University, Cancels Classes
Summary
Osaka Metropolitan University says a suspected ransomware attack disrupted its network and many systems, forcing class cancellations. Information on at least 130,000 people may be exposed, but the university has not confirmed data theft.
Key points
- The university is investigating the disruption with outside cybersecurity specialists; it has not identified the attackers or reported a ransom demand.
- Internal network, email, websites, and academic and administrative systems were affected, with about 500 servers reportedly stopping.
- Information on at least 130,000 current and former students, faculty, and others may be exposed; data theft or leakage remains unconfirmed.
- The university reported the incident to Japan's data protection authority and other government agencies.
- Classes were canceled through at least Thursday; in-person classes were planned to resume Friday, while online classes depend on system recovery.
- Entrance and enrollment systems hosted externally, the university hospital's electronic medical records, and its veterinary center remained operational.
Article Details
- Victim Organization
- Osaka Metropolitan University
- Incident Type
- Suspected ransomware attack causing a major IT outage
- Data Types Exposed
- Names
- Addresses
- Email addresses
- Other unspecified data associated with Osaka Prefecture University and Osaka City University
- Affected Records
- At least 130,000 current and former students, faculty members, and others may have been affected; the university has not confirmed that personal data was stolen.
- Operational Impact
- About 500 servers reportedly stopped operating. The internal network, email, and administrative and academic systems were unavailable. Classes were canceled through at least Thursday. Entrance exam and enrollment systems, the university hospital's electronic medical records, and the veterinary clinical center were not affected.
- Ransom Or Extortion
- The university had not said whether it received a ransom demand.
- Claim Status
- alleged