Aussie University Faces Significant Expenses Following Cyber Attacks

The Vice Chancellor of Western Sydney University, Professor George Williams, has disclosed the escalating costs associated with a series of cyber incidents that affected the institution throughout 2024. During a Senate inquiry focused on governance in higher education, Williams highlighted the significant contractor expenses incurred as a result of these attacks. He noted that the university had been severely impacted by multiple cyber incidents, necessitating extensive consultant support for forensic cyber work, which has amounted to millions of dollars.

In total, the university’s expenditure on contractors reached $36 million in 2024 and $17 million in 2025, with cyber security costs being the primary contributor. Williams expressed regret over the toll these attacks have taken on the university community, stating that the institution has been relentlessly targeted. He acknowledged the role of the NSW Police in charging a former student in connection with the cyber offences, but refrained from providing further details due to the ongoing legal proceedings. 

Categories: Cybersecurity Costs, Governance in Higher Education, Impact of Cyber Incidents 

Tags: University, Cyber, Incidents, Costs, Governance, Attacks, Contractors, Forensics, Network, Community