Ethical hackers have successfully breached the cybersecurity defences of UK universities and obtained valuable data within one hour. Working on behalf of Jisc, an internet services provider to UK-based academic centres, the hackers gained access to personal data, research networks and financial systems. More than 200 institutions reported in excess of 1,000 attempted hacks last year, with university research projects and the sensitive data they hold at particular risk. A Universities UK spokesperson said universities are working with GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre to strengthen their defences.
Ethical hackers have successfully breached the cybersecurity defences of UK universities and obtained valuable data within two hours. Working on behalf of Jisc, an internet services provider to UK-based academic centres, the hackers gained access to personal data, research networks and financial systems. More than 200 institutions reported in excess of 1,000 attempted hacks last year, with university research projects and the sensitive data they hold at particular risk. A Universities UK spokesperson said universities are working with GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre to strengthen their defences.