Cyberattack disrupts classes at Irish technology university

The South East Technological University (SETU) in Ireland has announced experiencing a cybersecurity incident targeting its IT systems.

In a statement on SETU’s website, students were advised that classes at its Waterford campuses would be postponed so academics could plan around the disruption.

The nature of the attack has not been announced.

“Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that any data or information has been compromised. However, we continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations are ongoing,” said the university.

SETU’s internal IT team and external cybersecurity experts are working “to resolve the issue and minimise any potential impact,” although staff and students have been cautioned to expect “some disruption.”

The university said it had identified the incident “at the earliest possible stage.” An email to the teachers union warned that the full extent of the damage was unknown and “may not be known until the end of next week,” as reported by national broadcaster RTÉ.

It follows another cyberattack impacting the Munster Technological University in Ireland last year, when the institution announced its campuses would be closed and all classes canceled due to a “significant breach.”