Following the news that a security analysis of cyber-attacks against universities and colleges in the UK has discovered staff or students could often be responsible, rather than organised crime or hacking groups. A government-funded agency that provides cyber-security has examined the timing of 850 attacks in 2017-18. Jisc found a “clear pattern” of attacks being concentrated during term times and during the working day. When the holidays begin, “the number of attacks decreases dramatically”.
Dave Aitel, Chief Technology Officer, Security at Cyxtera:
“Generally, a single indicator, like timing of attacks, shouldn’t be the primary attribution method. For example, it’s possible that attacks decrease when students are on vacation because attackers know they won’t be as responsive, so phishing attempts will be less successful.”
