The Australian National University (ANU) is investigating a potential ransomware attack after the hacking group FSociety claimed to have breached the institution’s systems and threatened to leak sensitive data.
FSociety, known for its ransomware-as-a-service operations, listed ANU on its dark web leak site, threatening to release stolen data within seven days if a ransom is not paid.
While the university is currently investigating the claims, the incident has raised concerns about the growing cyber threat landscape and the increasing sophistication of ransomware attacks.
This is not the first time ANU has faced a data breach. In 2019, a significant data breach impacted 19 years of personal data from both students and staff, with Chinese state actors suspected to be behind the attack.
The incident underscores the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures for educational institutions and the ongoing challenge of protecting sensitive data in the face of evolving cyber threats.