Osaka Public University suffers system failure due to ransomware attack, storing personal information of approximately 130,000 people

Osaka Public University announced on the 5th that the large-scale system failure that has been occurring since the 2nd has been determined to be a cyber attack caused by ransomware. Regarding whether or not a ransom was demanded, the company said, ``As the investigation is ongoing, we cannot comment.''

According to an explanation at a university press conference, the university's core systems were attacked and about 500 servers went down. The data was allegedly encrypted or tampered with.

The system stored personal information such as names, addresses, and photographs of at least 130,000 current students and alumni. The university is investigating whether there was a leak and has reported it to the Personal Information Protection Commission.

The maintenance company discovered the abnormality around 12:20 a.m. on the 2nd, and confirmed evidence of data tampering around 4 a.m. The university reportedly set up a crisis headquarters just after 8 a.m. on the 2nd.

The impact of the system failure is widespread, including the campus network, email, academic affairs, finance, personnel and payroll, and library systems.

The university has canceled classes from 2 to 8 days at all five campuses in Osaka and other areas.

The deadlines for applications for entrance exams and graduate school admission procedures have also been postponed from early October to October 22nd. A temporary website (http://www.omu.moe/) has been opened, and applications can be submitted from there.