Leading astronomical observatories around the world have experienced cyberattacks that leads to temporary shutdowns due to the said cyber security incident.
NOIRLab’s Cyber Security Incident; 2 Of Wolrd’s Leading Astronomical Observatories Shuts Down|NOIRLab
Recently a cyber security incident managed to disable two of the most advanced telescopes in the world.
A cyber security incident occurred on Aug. 1 at the National Science Foundation’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory, or NOIRLab.
The cyber security incident has prompted NOIRLab to temporarily stop operations at its Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii and Gemini South Telescope in Chile.
Aside from the aforementioned telescopes, other smaller telescopes on Cerro Tololo in Chile were also affected by the cyber security incident.
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NOIRLab is collaborating with cyber security experts to restore the affected telescopes and website during the cyber security incident.
NOIRLab mentioned on their website on Aug. 24 that they are optimistic about the progress made regarding the cyber security incident and are working towards getting everything back online promptly.
In a Science Times article regarding the cyber security incident, it was mentioned that it remains unclear what the hacking attempts were or where these attacks came from. NOIRLab is being cautious in disclosing information regarding the cyber security incident due to an ongoing investigation.
Just a few days before the cyber security incident happened at NOIRLabs facilities, the United States National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) issued a warning notice to American space enterprises and research groups of the possibility of cyberattacks and espionage.
READ MORE|Hackers shut down 2 of the world’s most advanced telescopes
