Maastricht University has most systems back online after ransomware attack

Most important systems of Maastricht University are operational again after last month’s ransomware infection. Students and staff have been able to use the printers and the VPN service again since Monday.

Students can print, copy and scan from the computers in the building again since Monday morning, the university writes on its website. Printing from the portal also works again. University employees can use the VPN, which allows them to log in remotely; students can use the Student Desktop Anywhere to work remotely.

Not all systems are working yet, the university warns. A special website has been set up that shows which functions work and which do not. For example, it is not yet possible for students to reserve teaching rooms online, or for employees to do so for meeting rooms. “At the same time, a system can sometimes work slowly, shut down suddenly or otherwise not meet the standards that the UM community is used to. This requires some patience from everyone and understanding for the colleagues who work hard for us every day,” writes the University.

Maastricht University was hit by a major ransomware attack on Christmas Eve. As a result, computers and systems could not be used for a long time. Education was resumed on January 6, without much trouble. As far as we know, few important systems or files were lost. There are several rumors that the university paid more than two tons in ransom to unlock the systems.