The Swiss voice in the world since 1935
Top stories
Stay in touch with Switzerland

Hackers target Zurich university with ‘professional’ cyberattack

Hacker at computer
The hack at the University of Zurich is being linked with a spate of cyberattacks on other educational and medical facilities. Keystone / Roland Schlager

The University of Zurich has been hit with a cyberattack that is being linked with a spate of attacks on educational and medical facilities in the region.

The university said on Friday that it is battling to keep the hackers out of critical zones by isolating parts of its IT system.

 + In the Wild West, cyberattacks are the order of the day

This defence has compromised access to its systems but prevented cyberattackers from encrypting or extracting data.

The Swiss authorities have been alerted, along with students and employees who have been advised to change their passwords.

“The perpetrators appear to be acting in a very professional manner and are part of a current accumulation of attacks on educational and health institutions,” the University of Zurich stated.

“Several attacks have been carried out on universities in German-speaking countries in recent weeks, resulting in suspension of their IT services for extended periods of time.”

Last year, the University of Neuchâtel was hacked by malicious software in a cyberattack that forced the temporary shutting down of its IT systems.

Universities in Germany and Austria were among the global educational establishments targeted by hackers in recent years.

In 2021, the Swiss town of Rolle was hacked, resulting in data being posted onto the Darknet. A group called ‘Vice Society’ claimed responsibility, threatening to target other municipalities and hospitals.

It is not known who is behind the cyberattack on the University of Zurich.

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

Study: Rhine could become up to 4.2 degrees warmer by 2100

More

Rhine could warm by 4°C by 2100, scientists warn

This content was published on The water temperature of the Rhine River could rise by up to 4.2° degrees Celsius by the end of the century due to the warming planet, scientists warn.

Read more: Rhine could warm by 4°C by 2100, scientists warn
'Leopard 1 A5' combat tanks in Germany.

More

Switzerland eyes joining EU rearmament programme

This content was published on The Federal Council wants to explore the possibilities of joining the European Union’s €800-billion rearmament programme without compromising Swiss neutrality.

Read more: Switzerland eyes joining EU rearmament programme
Premiere for Swiss Air Force on French National Day

More

Premiere for Swiss Air Force on French National Day

This content was published on On July 14, the Swiss Air Force will take part in the traditional air parade in Paris to mark the French bank holidays with an F/A-18 fighter jet. This is a first for Switzerland.

Read more: Premiere for Swiss Air Force on French National Day
Industry calls for "lean implementation" of the EU treaty package

More

Swiss industry backs EU treaty package

This content was published on The Swiss business umbrella organisation Economiesuisse and the employers' association broadly support the package of agreements negotiated with the European Union.

Read more: Swiss industry backs EU treaty package

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR