University of Manchester students and staff sent threatening email by hackers

Students and staff at Manchester University have been sent emails warning them of an imminent data leak by a group alleging to be hackers behind a recent cyber attack.

Earlier this month, the university had been hit by a cyber security incident after detecting "unauthorised activity" on its network.

It is believed data has "likely been copied" and external support to resolve the incident and the university is working with in-house experts. and external support to resolve it.

The email, which has been seen by ITV Granada, says the hackers were giving a "last warning" before personal data would be released due to the university not meeting their demands.

A second email told the students they were "gun meat" and threatened to sell the information on the black market if they did not pay an individual fee or contact university management to "resolve the situation."

It is not known how many students and staff are affected by the cyber attack.

In a statement, The University of Manchester said: "Based on our investigations we believe that a small proportion of data has been copied that relates to some students, and some alumni. We have written directly to those individuals who may have been affected by this.

"We understand that this will create concern for some, but we would like to assure our community that our internal and external experts are working around the clock to continue to address this and our investigations are continuing."

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