Cyber security breach at the University of Manchester

In a recent cyberattack, the University of Manchester faced a concerning Cyber security breach in its computer systems. Let’s delve into the details of the attack and understand what steps the university is taking to address the situation.

The Cyber Security breach and its Implications

The University of Manchester confirmed that data “likely has been copied” during the cyberattack. Currently, the specific information accessed by the attackers remains unclear, but university authorities have warned staff and students to be cautious about suspicious emails.

The incident is being thoroughly investigated, with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and National Crime Agency collaborating with the university’s experts to resolve the issue.

Staying Vigilant: Protecting Against Phishing

In the wake of the attack, the University of Manchester and the NCSC have advised individuals potentially impacted to be vigilant against phishing emails.

Phishing is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to scam people and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

It’s safe to say, we’ve all had that one shifty-looking email in our inboxes, or maybe a call from someone claiming to be your bank and just happens to need your account number and password!

However, you might not realise just how common Phishing attacks really are, so let’s fetch some statistics:

• 3.4 billion phishing emails are predicted to be sent every day.
• Over 48% of emails sent in 2022 were spam.
• 83% of UK businesses that suffered a cyber attack in 2022 reported the attack type as phishing.
• The average cost of a data breach against an organisation is more than $4 million.

credit: AAG.

To safeguard against phishing attacks, being cautious of suspicious emails is crucial. Furthermore, pay attention to details such as slightly altered email addresses, misspellings, and unusual formatting. In conclusion, if any email raises suspicions, it’s best not to click on any links provided in the message.

Additionally, employee training on Cyber Security practices is a crucial step to ensuring a business’s Cyber security, as phishing attacks prey on the user being unaware of the situation they are in.

The Bigger Picture: Cyber Security Landscape

The incident at the University of Manchester is just one example of the escalating cyberattacks on British institutions and businesses this year. Businesses and organisations like the BBC, Boots, and British Airways have also faced similar breaches.

On the other hand, a trend discussed in a previous cyber attack blog of ours can be seen here, as most of these attacks are from Russian groups.

Importance of a Robust Cyber Security Strategy

Muhammad Yahya Patel, a lead security engineer at Check Point Software, highlights the critical importance of universities adopting robust cybersecurity strategies. The education sector holds significant value and volume of data, making it a prime target for cybercriminals.

However, it is often observed that investment in education for Cyber security measures falls short, leaving these institutions vulnerable.

Conclusion

The cyberattack on the University of Manchester serves as a wake-up call for all academic institutions and businesses to take cybersecurity seriously. Additionally, as technology advances, the risks of cyber threats grow, and it becomes paramount to implement comprehensive security measures to safeguard sensitive data.

The university is actively investigating the incident and working with authorities to resolve the breach. The affected community must remain vigilant against phishing attempts while the situation is being addressed.

With growing concerns over cybersecurity, a collective effort is required to protect ourselves and our institutions from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.