University of Portsmouth beefs up IT security after 'cyber incident' as campus reopens

It comes after the University of Portsmouth had to shut its campus and suspend its IT network for 12 days after what is believed to be a ransomware attack.

A university spokesman said: ‘We take the security of our systems and our data protection obligations extremely seriously and we are working with experienced cyber security partners to secure our systems, contain the issue and prevent future incidents.

‘We are moving as quickly as we can to bring our secured systems back online.’

A ransomware attack is a cyber infiltration in which the perpetrators may demand a ransom fee for the restoration or non-publication of vital data.

However the university has moved to reassure staff and students that no vital data has been lost.

The spokesman added: ‘We have informed the relevant authorities, including the police and appropriate regulators. At this stage, and while investigations continue, we are not aware of any evidence that data was taken.’

SEE ALSO: ‘Forgotten’ University of Portsmouth students slam government over decision on campus return date

The university has confirmed the campus will reopen on Wednesday.

The initial cyber attack took place on April 9.

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