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One of Europe’s largest universities knocked offline for days after cyberattack
La Sapienza University in Rome has faced disruptions for three days due to a ransomware attack linked to a group called Femwar02. The university has taken systems offline for safety, and while it investigates the incident, some communication channels remain limited. Restoration efforts are ongoing, utilizing unaffected backups, but the university website is still down.
Key points
- La Sapienza University, one of Europe's largest with around 120,000 students, suffered a cyberattack.
- The attack was a ransomware attempt, reportedly involving a group called Femwar02.
- Systems were taken offline as a precautionary measure, with services being restored from backups.
- The university's website remains down, and communication channels are partially limited.
- An infopoint system was established to assist students during the disruption, which does not affect exams.
Why it matters
- Cyberattacks on educational institutions have increased, with recent incidents involving Harvard and University of Pennsylvania.
- The Femwar02 group is notable for its use of BabLock malware, which emerged in 2023, indicating evolving ransomware threats.
- This incident aligns with the broader trend of enterprises facing heightened cybersecurity threats and the growing importance of robust IT infrastructure.
The ransomware attack on La Sapienza serves as a reminder of the increasing cybersecurity risks facing universities, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures and rapid response plans within educational institutions.