Carleton University in Ontario, Canada, was hit with a ransomware attack Tuesday that may have affected any Windows-based system connected to the network.
The malware left notes on university computers requesting payment of either two Bitcoin per machine or 39 Bitcoin in total to release encrypted files, a graduate student at the university told CBC.
In the aftermath of the attack, left many students are reportedly unable to access their email accounts or to register for classes. Students have been advised to ignore the messages and to report them to officials. The school's Information Security unit in Computing and Communications Services assessed the situation and is taking steps to secure the network.
Students were encouraged to continue using their computers to conduct business if they are able to do so and to report any issues to school officials.
