MRU Still Resolving Cyberattack Impacts
Mount Royal University's systems remain partially offline a week after an external cyberattack. Faculty say they're working around the disruptions, but spring exams and fall registration are delayed.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Nearly a week after a cyberattack crashed many of its online services, Mount Royal University continues recovery efforts with help from external cybersecurity experts.
The attack hit MRU's website (mtroyal.ca), online campus internet (MyMRU), and phone systems on June 17. By Friday, the university had deployed a temporary public wireless network to provide access while restoration continues. Calgary police are investigating.
Justice studies professor Doug King said faculty are managing with workarounds. "I've been impressed with how MRU has kept faculty, staff and students informed," King said. He's able to communicate with students through email and use learning platforms like D2L, though he noted the university has "lost about a week" of instruction time.
The impacts extend beyond teaching. Spring exams are ongoing but final exams may need to be extended by a week. More significantly disrupted are course scheduling, fall registration, and the payroll system, though King said he received pay last week.
Students face mounting anxiety over privacy breaches. Vice-president of student affairs Liv Lopez said students lack visibility into what personal information might be exposed or what systems remain vulnerable. Many also can't access documents confirming enrollment or student aid—and cannot view grades or transcripts while exams finish.
MRU has not specified when systems will return to normal or whether the attack involved ransomware. The university refers questions to its updates page; the most recent posted Tuesday was from Monday.