Windows systems at Maastricht University were infected with a ransomware

A new ransomware attack made the headlines, Maastricht University (UM) confirmed that the malware encrypted all its Windows systems on December 23.

Maastricht University (UM) announced ransomware infected almost all of its Windows systems on Monday, December 23.

Maastricht University is an excellent university attended by over 18,000 students, roughly 4,400 employees, and 70,000 alumni.

“Maastricht University (UM) has been hit by a serious cyber attack. Almost all Windows systems have been affected and it is particularly difficult to use e-mail services.” reads the notice published by the UM. “UM is currently working on a solution. Extra security measures have been taken to protect (scientific) data. UM is investigating if the cyber attackers have had access to this data.”

The UM is investigating the incident and is working to restore operations, it also reported the incident to law enforcement.

The university did not reveal details of the attack, it is not clear the family of ransomware that infected its systems.

It is unclear if the attackers have exfiltrated data from the systems before encrypting them.

In response to the attack, the UM has taken down its systems as a precautionary measure.

“In order to work as safely as possible, UM has temporarily taken all of its systems offline.” reads an update published by the university. “Given the size and extent of the attack, it is not yet possible to indicate when that can be done exactly. For the same reason, it is not possible to state with absolute certainty, which systems have been affected and which have not. This requires additional investigation.”

Students and employees can contact the ICT Servicedesk via mail (info@m-u.nl) for any questions about the attack, alternatively, they can call 043 38 85 101 during office hours.

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Pierluigi Paganini

(SecurityAffairs – Maastricht University, hacking)

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Pierluigi Paganini

Pierluigi Paganini is member of the ENISA (European Union Agency for Network and Information Security) Threat Landscape Stakeholder Group and Cyber G7 Group, he is also a Security Evangelist, Security Analyst and Freelance Writer. Editor-in-Chief at "Cyber Defense Magazine", Pierluigi is a cyber security expert with over 20 years experience in the field, he is Certified Ethical Hacker at EC Council in London. The passion for writing and a strong belief that security is founded on sharing and awareness led Pierluigi to find the security blog "Security Affairs" recently named a Top National Security Resource for US. Pierluigi is a member of the "The Hacker News" team and he is a writer for some major publications in the field such as Cyber War Zone, ICTTF, Infosec Island, Infosec Institute, The Hacker News Magazine and for many other Security magazines. Author of the Books "The Deep Dark Web" and “Digital Virtual Currency and Bitcoin”.