In a significant cybersecurity incident, the Monti hacker group has leaked the first batch of stolen data from Brno University, targeting the Faculty of Military Leadership. The breach includes the compromise of personal information of teaching officers, meeting records, and study plans.

The Monti hackers are known for their ransomware attacks, which involve the use of malicious software to block access to data within targeted computer systems. They demand a ransom for the return of the data or to prevent its public disclosure.

In this case, Brno University had previously declined to pay the ransom demanded by the hackers, leading to the release of the first set of compromised data. The leaked information contains personal details of teaching staff, including those in senior military positions. Data includes addresses, dates of birth, and unique phone numbers. The breach specifically affects the departments of logistics and crisis management.

The hackers have indicated that other faculties at the university may also be affected, with a threat to release 750 GB of internal data. Ongoing investigations have limited the university’s ability to comment on the case.

The breach’s seriousness is underscored by Colonel Otakar Foltýn from the Office of the President of the Czech Republic, who highlights that the university educates future military officers. These individuals may rise to high-ranking positions within 20 years, making their training and education of interest to hostile intelligence agencies.

The cyber attack on Brno University was initially reported at the end of September and is currently under investigation by the Municipal State Prosecutor’s Office in Brno.

Brno University, founded in 2004, primarily prepares professionals for the Czech Army. It resulted from the merger of three institutions: the Higher Military School of Ground Forces in Vyškov, the Military Academy in Brno, and the Jan Evangelista Purkyně Military Medical Academy in Hradec Králové. As part of military restructuring, the university currently has approximately 1,600 students.

In related news, pro-Russian hackers orchestrated a mass cyber attack that disrupted the websites of several Czech government institutions, including the Ministry of the Interior, the police, the government, the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, and Prague Airport. The attacks were in response to Prague’s International Crimean Platform summit. All affected websites were restored and functioning normally by 5 p.m.

These incidents underscore the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure from malicious actors.

Article by Prague Forum