South East Technological University (SETU) is facing a bill of more than €2.3 million following a major cyberattack that disrupted its Waterford campuses in late 2024.

The university’s latest annual report shows that direct costs linked to the attack currently stand at €1.9 million. SETU expects to spend a further €400,000 replacing outdated hardware that is no longer compatible with new security systems.

The cyber incident was first detected in November 2024 and left staff and students without internet access or internal email services. The disruption came as the university was preparing for student conferring ceremonies.

At the time, SETU said its IT team identified the issue at the earliest possible stage and acted quickly to protect systems. The university also stated there was no evidence that personal data had been compromised.

In its annual report, SETU confirmed that the incident caused operational disruption and required the involvement of external cybersecurity specialists. The National Cyber Security Centre and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau are continuing investigations into the breach.

SETU said it has completed a review of the incident with external consultants and is now rebuilding its network while strengthening its security infrastructure.

The university is not alone in facing cyber threats. A 2023 cyberattack at Munster Technological University (MTU) cost that institution €4.2 million. MTU also faced legal proceedings linked to the breach and temporarily closed its Cork campus due to IT outages. The university refused to pay a ransom and has since introduced enhanced security systems, with KPMG overseeing improvements.

SETU’s annual report also revealed a separate procurement breach. Scrap metal worth around €20,000 was disposed of over several years without following university procedures. The proceeds were retained as petty cash and used to buy tools and equipment outside formal procurement rules.

In addition, staff at SETU made three protected disclosures. One was ruled not to qualify, while two remain under review.

SETU was formally established in 2022 and operates campuses in Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, and Wicklow.

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