SETU students in Waterford return to classes after cybersecurity incident targeted IT systems

Gardaí are engaging with an educational institution in relation to the incident and preliminary enquiries are ongoing, confirmed a garda spokesperson.

"South East Technological University (SETU) has experienced a cybersecurity incident targeting our IT systems," said a spokesperson for the college on Monday evening, November 4.

"Students have previously been advised the University is actively dealing with a cybersecurity incident that has targeted our IT systems. Our internal IT team is working closely with external cybersecurity experts and relevant authorities to address the situation and minimise any potential impact.

"While investigations are ongoing, we are closely monitoring the situation. There is currently no evidence to suggest that any data or information has been compromised.

"Following Monday's class postponement, we can confirm that classes on our Waterford Campuses will resume on Tuesday, November 5. However, staff and students may still experience some disruptions as we continue our efforts to resume normal services.

"Please attend your classes as scheduled unless you are informed otherwise," added the update. The Carlow, Wexford and Wicklow campuses of SETU were unaffected.

The university had originally issued a short statement last Friday saying its IT systems were targeted in a cybersecurity incident.

The university said the cybersecurity incident was identified "at the earliest possible stage" and its IT team "moved swiftly" to safeguard its systems.

It said that relevant Government departments and authorities had been notified.

SETU, Ireland's fifth technological university, was established on May 1, 2022 and has 18,500 students across four campuses in Waterford, Carlow, Wexford and Wicklow.