NUS’ IT Network Breached by ‘sophisticated’ Cyber Attacks
Can’t be as ‘sophisticated' as our password requirements tho.
More than a month ago, on the 11th of April, NUS detected an unauthorised intrusion into its IT network. Not to be outdone, NTU apparently also detected a malware attack more than a week later, on the 19th. Both universities then promptly alerted the Cyber Security Agency (CSA), which is the national agency overseeing cybersecurity in Singapore. Check out Channel News Asia’s report and video here.
According to a press release by the CSA, NUS detected the intrusion during cybersecurity assessments by external consultants who had been engaged to strengthen its cyber defence. The CSA has since been conducting forensic investigations on the attacks and assisting the universities in mitigating potential impact. Affected desktop computers and workstations at both universities were quickly isolated, removed and replaced.
TL;DR: NUS and NTU got cyber-bullied.
Also, if you’re wondering how this whole incident affects you, don’t worry. We’ve summarised the information in a simple-to-understand FAQ format below. You’re welcome.
Why were hackers targeting the university’s system?
The CSA has revealed that the objective of the intrusions may have been to steal information related to government or research. There is no evidence that information or data related to students was being targeted, so, sorry to burst your bubble, but no one is trying to steal your identity.
Wait, still, is my information in danger?
Daily operations of both universities, including critical IT systems such as student admissions and examinations databases, remained unaffected. Good news for all you competitive as hell muggers who can continue to keep your CAP a secret. No unauthorised intrusions attempting to sabotage your self-esteem here.
Do I have to change my password? Oh God, please say no.
NUS sent a university-wide email to assure students that there is no need to change their passwords. I swear, if I have to come up with one more abominable combination of uppercase, lowercase, special and numerical characters of a password, I might just drop out.
What about my erm.. confidential emails?
If for some reason you’ve been sending naughty emails using your NUS outlook account, your sexts are safe and secure. While we don’t recommend sending nudes over the outlook system, if you do find it necessary, just Bcc thebulletcampus@gmail.com the next time you’re at it.
Nonetheless, NUS has increased its vigilance, and has since put in place additional security measures. For the $8000 we pay them a year, they’d better.
Any campus news we missed out on? Let us know and submit a story to thebulletcampus@gmail.com!
