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

The ICRC has to cut its budget for next year by 17 per cent

More

Red Cross faces 17% budget cut

This content was published on The International Committee of the Red Cross must cut its budget by 17% by the end of the year.

Read more: Red Cross faces 17% budget cut
New 3D simulations for better avalanche forecasting

More

New Swiss 3D simulation tool offers better landslide forecasting

This content was published on A new 3D simulation tool is enabling much more accurate avalanche forecasts. The model, which proved its worth during the landslides in Brienz (GR) and Blatten (VS), could lead to more effective management of alpine risks.

Read more: New Swiss 3D simulation tool offers better landslide forecasting

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