beeldscherm met codetaal
beeldscherm met codetaal

Cyber and DDoS attacks and our digital resilience

As you have read in the media, network systems at Eindhoven University of Technology have been temporarily shut down due to a cyber attack, and we have also been inconvenienced by DDoS attacks at SURF. This immediately raises the question of our digital resilience and if we are affected by this attack.

Working together  

Most colleges and universities are affiliated with SURF and work together collectively to combat cyber threats. Radboud University is also part of this network. In this SURF network, knowledge is shared, people keep each other confidentially informed about threats and possible solutions. During a cyberattack, the nature of the attack is then quickly clear and information is shared in order to take preventive or repressive measures. Among the Information & Library Services teams, “heightened monitoring” then immediately goes into effect. The university's network and systems are monitored 24/7 anyway, but now they are monitored even more closely.

Daily attempts

At the Radboud University there are also daily attempts by malicious people to enter and the network and systems of the university. They try this in all kinds of ways such as phishing, malware and with DDos attacks* at the university of our partners.

It is a misconception that technology and ICT measures make everything secure. It is just as important how we handle our digital assets. This is where proper processes and clear responsibilities help, but you also play a major role in the digital resilience of Radboud University.

Better safe than sorry. Stay alert.

It is very important for each of us to stay alert to “strange things” and be careful with the data and knowledge of the university. You can help by:

  • using strong passwords in conjunction with MFA;
  • staying alert to phishing at work and privately;
  • always providing your equipment with the latest (security) updates, using antivirus software and 'locking' your devices when left behind.

Radje met telefoon

However, it remains a cat and mouse game and situations like this will continue to occur despite all precautions. To help you 'work securely' you can expect more information and activities soon so that together we can form a barrier against hackers.

*DDoS attack; attackers send a large amount of data to a site/institution with the aim of making it unusable.

Contact information

 

Questions about privacy or information security?

Contact your faculty/divisional privacy and information security contacts.

 

Want to report a data breach or security incident?

Contact the ICT Helpdesk(024-36 22222).