Munster Technological University (MTU) has warned students to be on "heightened alert" as their personal information may have been compromised as a result of a "global cybersecurity incident".
MTU had previously highlighted the issue with students after it was made aware of the incident by the provider of its learning management system, Canvas.
The technological university said US-based education technology company and the provider of Canvas, Instructure had last Friday night informed its customers globally about the incident.
At that stage, MTU was not informed that it was one of Instructure's impacted customers.
However, in an update to students this evening, MTU said it has now been informed that it is one of the institutions affected by what it described as this "global cybersecurity incident".
The email to students said: "The relevant data is described as appearing to include personal information."
The email went on to state that: "Nothing further is known at this stage. The Canvas system remains safe to use.
"However, you should be on heightened alert to possible scam emails and be vigilant when opening links or attachments."
MTU also told students that it will be sending out a more detailed advisory in relation to the incident and directed them to more information about staying safe online on its own website.
MTU has over 18,000 full-time and part-time learners across its six campuses in Cork and Kerry.
In a statement tonight, MTU confirmed that it is one of the institutions that have been impacted by the global cybersecurity incident recently reported by Instructure.
The statement went on to say: "MTU is engaging with Instructure to understand the nature and extent of any potential impact on the University community.
"We are communicating directly with students and staff and advising them to remain vigilant, particularly in relation to suspicious emails, links or attachments."
