ASML-backed Dutch university suspends classes after cyberattack

Patrick Groothuis, the university’s vice president, announced Sunday that lectures and educational activities would be halted until at least Tuesday, according to Bloomberg.

The university took the step of shutting down its computer network, a measure Groothuis described as essential to avert further damage.

University officials stated that experts are investigating the hack and noted that "a lot of suspicious activity" was detected on the university’s servers late Saturday.

A hacker in front of a computer screen. Illustration by Pixabay

There has been no contact with the hackers, whose identity remains unknown, said Ivo Jongsma, the university’s spokesman.

"We are still looking into whether any data has been stolen," he added, noting that an update on the situation would be provided Monday.

Located approximately eight kilometers from ASML’s global headquarters, Eindhoven University of Technology has become entangled in the ongoing U.S.-China chip war. The conflict stems from Washington’s efforts to curb Beijing’s semiconductor production capabilities, Bloomberg reported in July.

ASML, the world’s sole producer of advanced lithography machines required for manufacturing high-end chips, has heavily invested in the university to train future employees, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

In May, ASML pledged €80 million (US$82 million) to support doctoral programs and upgrade the university’s clean-room facility, essential for chip-related studies.

The university’s research lab also houses ASML lithography machines.