In France, personal data belonging to approximately 770,000 students has been compromised following a cyberattack targeting the National Centre for University and School Works, known as Centre national des œuvres universitaires et scolaires (CNOUS).

According to reports in the national press, the incident comes after a previous breach in which the personal data of around 243,000 individuals affiliated with the Ministry of National Education was illegally accessed. In the latest case, CNOUS—responsible for providing services to students—was targeted.

Following the cyberattack, unauthorized access to the data of nearly 770,000 students was confirmed, prompting the launch of an official investigation.

In a statement, CNOUS said no details were provided regarding the source of the attack, while noting that security measures are being strengthened to prevent similar breaches in the future.

Meanwhile, the French Ministry of National Education had also been in the spotlight on March 19 after a separate security vulnerability affected the personal information of 243,000 of its staff members.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding the perpetrators, while investigations into the cyberattack and its scope continue. (ILKHA)