Canadian universities see increase in hacking attempts

Canada’s PSE institutions are seeing a marked increase in the frequency and intensity of cyber-attacks, reports the Toronto Star. Because of the significant amount of research and student information available on university networks, PSE institutions are valuable targets for many different kinds of attacks, whether for identity theft, confidential research developments, or financial information. The problem is compounded by the necessity of open access and the sheer number of network users that universities experience. However, specific information on what has been stolen, or what is targeted, is hard to come by. According to uToronto’s information security officer, “as such information might encourage or facilitate attacks against the university, we don’t disclose data on successful or unsuccessful attacks.” In the US, several PSE institutions have enlisted students and staff to help combat cyber-attacks, including requiring mandatory training. Toronto Star