The University of Manchester hit by cyber security breach after detecting 'unauthorised activity'

The University of Manchester is currently dealing with a cyber security incident after detecting unauthorised activity on its network.

The university has launched an investigation and is working with in-house experts and external support to resolve the incident and to establish what data may have been affected.

It is also working with the relevant authorities, including the Information Commissioner's Office, the National Cyber Security Centre, and other regulatory bodies.

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In a statement issued to the London Stock Exchange, the university said that a further update will be provided "as and when appropriate".

The incident comes after a range of global companies including British Airways and Boots warned their staff about a cyber attack that has compromised personal information. The hack has suspected links to a Russian-speaking cybercrime gang called Clop, according to a report in The Telegraph.

The incident related to a flaw in a piece of software called MOVEit Transfer, used by thousands of companies globally to transfer files, which could be exploited by cyber criminals.

The UK’s leading payroll provider Zellis said that eight of its customers were impacted by the "global issue", which may have exposed personal information, including names, addresses, and banking details.

The University of Manchester is a customer but at the time said it had not been affected by the cyber attack.

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