The Australian National University (ANU) is investigating a possible hacking incident after its vice-chancellor, Genevieve Bell's, LinkedIn account 'liked' 'highly offensive' posts about Gaza and Julie Bishop, which Bell had never seen. The university has referred the matter to the Australian Cyber Security Centre and launched an internal investigation, stating the content is inconsistent with ANU's values.
ANU investigates possible hack after vice-chancellor’s account liked ‘highly offensive’ LinkedIn posts
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Australian National University (ANU) is investigating a possible hacking incident after its vice-chancellor, Genevieve Bell's, LinkedIn account 'liked' 'highly offensive' posts about Gaza and Julie Bishop, which Bell had never seen. The university has referred the matter to the Australian Cyber Security Centre and launched an internal investigation, stating the content is inconsistent with ANU's values.
Trending- 1 Late last month: A damning report on the institution’s culture was released.
- 2 Tuesday: Genevieve Bell updated staff on the university’s finances.
- 3 Wednesday morning: ANU was made aware that Bell’s LinkedIn account had been 'compromised'.
- 4 Wednesday afternoon: Rick Morton posted to Bluesky that he had notified ANU about the questionable posts.
- Internal investigation launched
- Matter referred to Australian Cyber Security Centre
- Potential reputational damage for ANU and Genevieve Bell
- Potential security breach
- Incident comes amid ANU restructure to cut about $100m from staff costs
- Follows a damning report on the institution’s culture outlining allegations of sexism, racism, and entrenched disrespect
What: The Australian National University (ANU) is investigating a possible hacking incident involving its vice-chancellor, Genevieve Bell's, LinkedIn account. The account 'liked' 'highly offensive' and objectionable posts about Gaza and Julie Bishop that Bell had not seen.
When: Wednesday morning (ANU became aware); late last month (damning report on ANU culture released); Tuesday (Bell updated staff on university finances); Wednesday afternoon (Rick Morton posted to Bluesky).
Where: Australian National University (ANU), Australia.
Why: The ANU spokesperson stated the account was 'compromised' and the liked content was 'highly offensive and objectionable' and 'inconsistent with the values set by the Council for ANU.'
How: An internal investigation is underway, and the matter has been referred to the Australian Cyber Security Centre. Rick Morton notified ANU about the questionable likes.