Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Netherlands was targeted by a cyberattack on January 12, leading the university to shut down its network to mitigate further damage. This caused significant disruptions for its more than 14,000 students and staff, as key network-bound systems such as email, Wi-Fi, Canvas, and Teams became inaccessible. As a result, there were no lectures or other educational activities planned for January 12 and 13. While students and employees were allowed on campus, they were unable to use essential facilities, and the university has been actively working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
The university’s ICT team has been investigating the attack since it was first detected.
The university’s ICT team has been investigating the attack since it was first detected on January 11, when suspicious activity on servers indicated a potential breach. Although the nature of the attack remains under investigation, TU/e officials have not reported any signs of data theft as of now. The network was shut down overnight to prevent further damage, and the university is working diligently to restore services with the aim of resuming normal operations by January 14. In the meantime, students and staff have been advised to stay vigilant against phishing emails exploiting the situation.
Internal telephone system and cash registers at the canteens, were disrupted…
On campus, physical access to buildings has remained intact, and services like card reader access to the campus, parking, and coffee machines have continued to function. However, certain services, including the internal telephone system and cash registers at the canteens, were disrupted. While some canteens remained closed due to the payment system failure, others arranged alternative payment methods to allow limited food services. The university has kept everyone informed through internal communication channels and a dedicated webpage, providing updates and addressing concerns.
The attack occurred during the last teaching week of quartile two, which is typically a time for exam preparations and limited activities. Despite the disruptions, the university aims to minimize the impact on students’ academic progress. TU/e is continuing to monitor the situation closely, working with experts to secure its systems and prevent further threats. The university remains committed to resolving the issue and restoring normalcy for its students, staff, and campus operations as soon as possible.
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