Maastricht University is in contact with ransomware attackers and files a report

Maastricht University, which was hit by the Clop ransomware earlier this week, is in contact with the attackers. It is unknown whether a ransom payment is being considered. The university filed a complaint on Thursday.

UM spokesman Fons Elbersen tells NOS and 1Limburg that the university has been in talks with the attackers. It is not known what amount is being asked and the spokesperson does not say whether payment is being considered. The spokesperson confirms that UM filed a report with the police on Thursday.

Last Tuesday, Maastricht University was hit by the Clop ransomware. As a result, various websites, the mail system and the student portal no longer work. The extent of the damage is not yet fully known. For example, the university is not yet sure whether the scientific data has been affected.

A team of ‘at least ten IT specialists’ from UM and outside is working on a solution. According to the spokesperson, a ‘shell has been placed around the network, so that no one can get in’. The university should reopen after the Christmas holidays on January 6, but there is no guarantee that this will work.