Hellenic Open University

Hellenic Open University (alsoknown as Ελληνικό Ανοικτό Πανεπιστήμιο, ΕΑΠ) is a public higher education institution based in Greece that provides distance learning programs. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across various disciplines, using online platforms and study materials to serve students who cannot attend traditional campus‑based education. Its mission is to widen access to higher education through flexible, open admission policies and supported self‑study models. The university collaborates with other academic bodies and provides continuing education and professional development courses.

It is Greece’s sole state‑run open university, specializing in distance education and lifelong learning. Positioned within the national higher education system, it provides accessible academic qualifications to a geographically diverse learner base. The institution operates as a public entity under the supervision of the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, enjoying autonomous status without private ownership. On 25 October 2024 the Hellenic Open University suffered a ransomware attack that disrupted its online services. The attack compromised approximately 813 GB of sensitive data, including personal identifiers, financial records, medical information, academic documents and bank account details. The leaked data were subsequently published on the dark web, prompting prolonged website outages affecting all students. In response, the university isolated affected systems, collaborated with national cybersecurity and law‑enforcement agencies, and initiated infrastructure upgrades while advising impacted individuals to strengthen their digital security measures.