Data hack leaves ANU grappling with compromised system

The Australian National University in Canberra has uncovered a massive data breach involving unauthorised access to university records dating back almost two decades.

Vice-chancellor Brian Schmidt (pictured) said there was no evidence to suggest that research data systems had been affected. However, the hacked data include contact details, tax file numbers, emails and payroll information.

The breach was announced by Schmidt in an ANU statement on 4 June. He said the university was working closely with federal security agencies and other data security experts to strengthen campus IT systems against further attacks.