After the cyberattack – Umeå University analyses the system
NEWS
The cyberattack against Miljödata at the end of August affects many people. Umeå University is conducting a risk and vulnerability analysis before the system becomes available again. At the same time, all employees and students are encouraged to learn more about cybersecurity.
“We sincerely regret that the cyberattack is affecting employees and understand that it may cause concern that personal data in the systems used by the university is not secure. We have a good systematic approach aimed at preventing cyberattacks, but this work needs to be constantly developed,” says Lars Nordlander, HR manager at Umeå University.
The cyberattack targeted Miljödata, the supplier of Adato, the system support used by Umeå University in the rehabilitation process for employees. More than 100 organisations in Sweden were affected and personal data was leaked from Adato. The attacker then spread it on the internet, including on the Darknet.
Umeå University immediately shut down Adato when the attack was discovered, and the system is not yet in use at the university. Before it is reopened, the university will conduct a risk and vulnerability analysis.
"In the university's current agreement with Miljödata, we have set high standards for security and the handling of personal data, but the attackers got past that in this case. We want to get as clear a picture as possible of the measures Miljödata has taken after the attack before we start using the system again. We have been in close contact with Miljödata since the attack and know that they have worked intensively and thoroughly to create greater resistance to attacks," says Per Ragnarsson, Deputy University Director and Chair of the University's Crisis Management Group.
How to be safe in the future
October is Cybersecurity Month in Sweden and Europe. During this month, Umeå University will highlight information pages and internal training courses that employees and students can access to learn more and become better equipped to deal with cyber attacks.
"Knowledge is the strongest weapon. I hope that many employees and students will take this opportunity to learn more about cyber security and find out how to better protect themselves against attacks, as well as how to act if they are affected or suspect any irregularities," says Per Ragnarsson.
