UPDATE: University of the Highlands and Islands gets help from Police Scotland and Scottish Government to deal with ongoing cyber attack
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Staff have been told Police Scotland and Scottish Government are helping to deal with an ongoing cyber attack impacting all systems and networks across the University of the Highlands and Islands partnership.
They have been advised not to alarm students.
An email to staff states: "We are dealing with an ongoing cyber security incident which has impacted on our key systems and services at all campuses.
"Our IT staff are working hard to minimise disruption particularly because most students and staff are currently working online due to Covid-19 restrictions.
"Our regional and local business continuity plans have been enacted and we are currently receiving cyber assistance from the relevant authorities including Police Scotland and the Scottish Government.
"All campuses will be closed to staff and students on Monday."
Bosses "do not currently believe" any personal data of staff has been compromised.
The email goes on: "We wish to avoid alarming our students at this stage but want to be honest with them as many services are affected, particularly those which they need for their course. The message is that we are responding to a cyber incident which is currently disrupting services and systems at all of our campuses.
"We also need them to know that they will not be penalised for any issues they have arising from this.
"We appreciate the ongoing support and understanding from all our staff to minimise disruption to students."
It adds: "This is a very serious incident. We will get through this, but it will take time and put pressure on teams, especially at a time when we are all already doing our best because of Covid-19.
"Please continue to signpost students to health and wellbeing services. But also remember to access these yourself if you need to.
"We aim to issue a further update to staff tomorrow at 11am."
Related articles:
- Cyber attack disrupts University of the Highlands and Islands' systems and networks
- University of the Highlands and Islands bosses tell students they don't think personal data has been compromised in 'very serious' cyber attack that 'will take time to fix'
