Wits University and Oracle: Wits University's IT system hit by cyberattack

Wits University Hit by Zero-Day Cyberattack, Oracle Investigating Potential Data Breach

Wits University in South Africa has confirmed a cyberattack targeting its IT systems, classified as a zero-day exploit a breach leveraging an unknown vulnerability with no available patch at the time of the incident. The attack, which has affected organizations across multiple countries, prompted the university to collaborate with Oracle and cybersecurity experts to assess whether any data was compromised.

While the full scope of the breach remains under investigation, Wits University has reported that some IT systems were compromised, though operations continue as normal. The institution has formally notified South Africa’s Information Regulator, adhering to data protection protocols.

The incident underscores the growing threat of zero-day vulnerabilities, which leave organizations exposed until patches are developed. Further details on the attack’s impact and affected data are expected as the investigation progresses.

Source: https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/wits-universitys-it-system-hit-cyberattack

Oracle cybersecurity rating report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/oracle

WITS, Inc. cybersecurity rating report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/wits

"id": "ORAWIT1773930753",
"linkid": "oracle, wits",
"type": "Cyber Attack",
"date": "10/2025",
"severity": "85",
"impact": "4",
"explanation": "Attack with significant impact with customers data leaks"

{'affected_entities': [{'industry': 'Education',
                        'location': 'South Africa',
                        'name': 'Wits University',
                        'type': 'Educational Institution'}],
 'description': 'Wits University in South Africa has confirmed a cyberattack '
                'targeting its IT systems, classified as a zero-day exploit '
                'leveraging an unknown vulnerability with no available patch '
                'at the time of the incident. The attack has affected '
                'organizations across multiple countries, prompting '
                'collaboration with Oracle and cybersecurity experts to assess '
                'data compromise.',
 'impact': {'operational_impact': 'Operations continue as normal',
            'systems_affected': 'Some IT systems compromised'},
 'investigation_status': 'Ongoing',
 'references': [{'source': 'Incident Report'}],
 'regulatory_compliance': {'regulatory_notifications': 'Notified South '
                                                       'Africa’s Information '
                                                       'Regulator'},
 'response': {'third_party_assistance': 'Oracle and cybersecurity experts'},
 'title': 'Wits University Zero-Day Cyberattack',
 'type': 'Zero-Day Exploit',
 'vulnerability_exploited': 'Unknown vulnerability (zero-day)'}