Cork University targeted in cyberattack with students' information possibly compromised

Olivia Kelleher

Munster Technological University (MTU) has been impacted by a global cybersecurity incident, with students being placed on “heightened alert” as their personal information may have been compromised.

In a statement, MTU said that earlier this week, Instructure, a US-based education technology company and the provider of Canvas, the Learning Management System (LMS) used by MTU, reported it had experienced a cybersecurity incident affecting universities and students across the world.

“Munster Technological University has since been informed by Instructure that MTU is one of the institutions impacted by this global cybersecurity incident.

MTU is engaging with Instructure to understand the nature and extent of any potential impact on the University community. We are communicating directly with students and staff and advising them to remain vigilant, particularly in relation to suspicious emails, links or attachments.”

Meanwhile, MTU students who study at their six campuses in Cork and Kerry have received an email about the global cybersecurity incident.

The email to 18,000 full-time and part-time students reads: "The relevant data is described as appearing to include personal information.

Nothing further is known at this stage. The Canvas system remains safe to use.

"However, you should be on heightened alert to possible scam emails and be vigilant when opening links or attachments."

The students of MTU were also informed that they will receive additional information about the incident