Ransomware Attack on Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR|Lisboa)

About ISR|Lisboa

Founded in 1992, the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR|Lisboa) is a prominent research institution affiliated with Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) of the University of Lisbon. It is renowned for its advanced multidisciplinary research in Robotic Systems and Information Processing, boasting over one hundred researchers dedicated to cutting-edge research, training, and outreach activities.

Size and Industry

Operating within the Education sector, ISR|Lisboa is a common target for ransomware attacks due to the sensitive nature of the data it manages, including student records and research data. While the exact size of the institution is not detailed, its affiliation with Instituto Superior Técnico, a top-ranked engineering school in Europe, underscores its significance in the academic and research community.

Vulnerabilities

Ransomware attacks typically exploit vulnerabilities such as outdated software, unpatched systems, or weak passwords. Although the specific vulnerabilities exploited in the attack on ISR|Lisboa are not disclosed, it is widely acknowledged that 62% of ransomware infiltrations are achieved through phishing emails, highlighting the importance of vigilance against such tactics.

Impact

The precise impact of the ransomware attack on ISR|Lisboa's financials, operations, customers, employees, and reputation remains unspecified. Nonetheless, the repercussions of such incidents can be profound, affecting various facets of an organization.

Mitigation

To mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks, it is crucial for organizations to regularly update their software, apply security patches, enforce the use of strong passwords, and educate their employees about the dangers of phishing scams. Additionally, implementing a robust backup and recovery plan is essential for minimizing potential damage.

Sources

• Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR|Lisboa) website: https://welcome.isr.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/
• SANS Institute: FOR528: Ransomware and Cyber Extortion
• Cloudian: Ransomware Attack List and Alerts
• KonBriefing.com: The terrifying list of cyber attacks worldwide 2024 / 2023
• Spin.AI: Ransomware Tracker 2024: Recent Ransomware Attacks