Courts / Ireland / Report

Social media giants cooperating with MTU to prevent publication of hacked data

Summary

The High Court heard that Twitter, Facebook (Meta) and other social media platforms have cooperated with Munster Technological University (MTU) to prevent the publication of 6 GB of confidential data that was released by a suspected Russian‑based hacking group after MTU refused to pay a ransom. Mr Justice Brian O'Moore granted an extension of an injunction that bars anyone who knows of the order from publishing, making available or sharing MTU's data. The order also requires any holder of the data to return it to MTU. MTU's President Margaret Cusack testified that the court's order was "great assistance" and that platforms such as Reddit, Pinterest and Meta had worked with the university to keep the data off their sites. MTU's advisors at KPMG monitor the internet for references to the breach, and the university remains in contact with the Data Protection Commission, Gardai and the National Cyber Security Centre.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Social media giants cooperating with MTU to prevent publication of hacked data. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• May 2021 Incident
• February 12th Hearing Or Sentence
• February 5th Other
• 2023-03-02 Publication

Why: The injunction was sought in order to protect the personal data of MTU students and staff and prevent Blackcat and anyone else from taking advantage of the breach, and from breaching any property and privacy rights of those whose data may be affected. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report