Over the past weekend, the University of Siena faced a significant attack on its network infrastructure by a group of international hackers. The attack necessitated immediate action on the morning of Monday, May 6, 2024, leading to the shutdown of the university’s network. This was a critical step to start verification and remediation operations to assess the integrity of the system and any potential damage. The university’s IT representatives quickly reported the incident to the National Cybersecurity Agency and are maintaining constant communication with them. They are also preparing the necessary documentation to file a complaint with the Postal Police and to report the incident to the Guarantor Authority for the Protection of Personal Data.
The remediation process is ongoing, and the network infrastructure will be gradually restored to normal operations once all safety conditions are fully ensured. The university is taking all necessary precautions to secure its network and prevent future attacks. This collaborative effort with national authorities underscores the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to maintaining the security and integrity of the university’s network. The University of Siena is dedicated to resolving this incident thoroughly and ensuring that its network infrastructure is protected against further threats.
The attack has prompted a comprehensive review of the university’s cybersecurity measures to identify any vulnerabilities and reinforce defenses against potential threats. The IT department is working around the clock to implement enhanced security protocols and ensure robust protection for all data and communications. Students, faculty, and staff are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the IT helpdesk immediately. Regular updates on the status of the network and ongoing security enhancements will be provided to keep the university community informed.
