Karolinska Institutet

Summary

A ransomware attack targeted the Swedish data center of Tietoevry, the payroll system supplier for Karolinska Institutet, prompting the immediate closure of Primula and PA-web platforms until further notice to facilitate troubleshooting and mitigation. Despite the disruption, employee salaries for the affected month were secured as bank files had been processed prior to the incident, with operational updates being communicated internally through the institution's employee portal.

Motives

Detailed motive labels are available to members.

TTPs

Detailed technique labels are available to members.

Description

A ransomware attack targeting Tietoevry, the external supplier of Karolinska Institutet's payroll system, occurred over the weekend of January 20-21, 2024. The attack compromised part of Tietoevry's Swedish data center infrastructure, directly impacting KI's access to critical HR systems. In response, KI immediately closed Primula, its payroll administration system, and the PA-web interface until further notice to facilitate troubleshooting and implement protective measures. The shutdown was announced on January 21, 2024, through KI's operational information channels, with initial confirmation that January salary payments would proceed unaffected because the necessary bank files had been transmitted prior to the incident. No technical details about the ransomware variant, intrusion methods, or scope beyond Tietoevry's Swedish data center were disclosed in available communications.

The incident disrupted routine payroll operations and employee access to HR services through the affected platforms, though KI emphasized continuity of salary disbursement. Organizational response focused on containment through system isolation while Tietoevry addressed the attack's consequences. KI committed to providing ongoing updates via the employee portal's operational information section but did not specify restoration timelines or alternative workflows for affected processes. Martin Sjölund, HR Specialist, was designated as the primary contact for inquiries, though no further procedural guidance for staff was detailed in the initial announcement. The university maintained operational transparency regarding system availability while relying on the vendor's remediation efforts to resolve the infrastructure compromise.

Sources

Sources available to members: 1 source.