Cyber attacks slow UC ANR servers

Jul 13, 2020

UC ANR Colleagues,

Our server-security monitoring tool Malwarebytes has detected and mitigated eight malware variants, one ransomware attempt, and 379 potentially unwanted program accesses. It also appears to have blocked thousands (2,648) of malicious web traffic destined to webservers. This malicious traffic accounts for increased CPU processing by Malwarebytes, which is our “firewall” designed to mitigate the swarm of attacks that reach each server.

Due to the significantly heightened level of processing required, we are currently experiencing intermittent disruptions within Information Technology applications over the last few days, which could affect one or more of the following services:

  • Site Builder websites & UC ANR blogs
  • Portal access to tools including login, Zoom and Zendesk
  • Survey and registration system, as well as credit card processing for event registrations
  • Communication systems such as Collaborative Tools and Mailing Lists
  • Administrative systems such as the Grant Tracking System, Universal Review System, ANR Directory, and DANRIS-X

Our teams are aware of the issue and are actively working to resolve it as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconveniences is caused by this situation and assure you that we are using all resources available to restore service as quickly as we can.

If you have any questions in the interim, feel free to email the HelpDesk at help@ucanr.edu.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Regards,

Sree Mada
Chief Information Officer


By Pamela Kan-Rice
Author - Assistant Director, News and Information Outreach