ARTIS has been targeted by a cyber attack using ransomware. Cybercriminals have penetrated the network causing ICT systems to be down.
It is not yet known who is behind this hack. However, it is known that the cybercriminals demanded an amount of 1 million euros in crypto currency. ARTIS has reported the incident to the police and is seeking advice from a cybercrime specialist. For the sake of the investigation, ARTIS cannot share any further details at this time.
An ARTIS spokesperson explains, "Our external ICT partner informed us that ARTIS had become the target of a cyber attack. When this became clear, a crisis team was immediately assembled at the highest level. Our own IT department was also scaled up with specialists in the field of cybercrime. Immediate measures were taken to prevent further access to our systems in order to halt the digital attack. Because it is not yet clear whether the criminals have gained access to personal data and email traffic, a precautionary notification has been made to the Dutch Personal Data Authority. ARTIS is taking this situation very seriously and is determining the appropriate follow-up steps together with external specialists.
Museums reopen tomorrow
ARTIS-Micropia and the ARTIS-Groote Museum were closed to the public today. The good news is that they will be open again tomorrow for visitors according to normal opening hours. ARTIS-Park will be open as usual, just as it is today.
