UP website and other systems were temporarily unavailable due to measures taken against a cybersecurity threat

From Wednesday (21 October) evening, the university website, Moodle and several other information systems at Palacký University were temporarily unavailable. The UP Computer Centre (CVT) took these systems offline immediately as a precautionary measure to protect them against a potential cyberattack.

A new vulnerability has been identified in PHP, a technology used by most web servers, including those at Palacký University.

Security patches are not yet available for the types of servers used by UP, meaning that the issue could not be resolved through the recommended standard update. CVT therefore implemented technical measures to block the known method of exploitation. Following their implementation, the affected systems have been restored and are now accessible again.

CVT continues to monitor the situation closely, including further developments and any new recommendations. The vulnerability is not limited to Palacký University but affects web servers using PHP worldwide.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: CVT does not manage all web servers at the university. Faculties and other university units operating their own servers must implement appropriate security measures on the systems they manage. Failure to do so exposes them to an increased risk of cyberattacks!

Accomodation and Dining Services: a new website in English

Accomodation and Dining Services has a new website in English! Above all, the redesigned website makes navigation much easier, with content clearly organised according to who is looking for it. Take a look at skm.upol.cz/en and don’t forget to follow their Instagram and Facebook.

Cans and beverage cartons now go in plastics bins

Sorting waste at UP has become a little easier. You can now also put metal packaging, such as drinks cans, food tins and lids, as well as beverage cartons for products such as milk and juice, into the yellow plastics bins. The change applies to all university buildings, and bin labels are being updated gradually. Read the new waste-sorting guidelines.

UP Library offers more than just books

Do you need academic literature, a quiet place to study, or help finding and citing sources? UP Library offers books, electronic databases, study rooms, including a 24-hour study room at the Zbrojnice/Armoury, and expert consultations. It also organises practical training sessions and get-togethers where you can take a break from studying. Take a look at its range of services and follow the library on Instagram and Facebook. We have also selected three news items:

• Training in AI tools and electronic resources: Learn how to use AI tools to find academic literature (26 October and 23 November) or search university databases effectively (9 November). You must book your place in advance (in Czech).
• Closed on 28 October: UP Library will be closed for the public holiday. Tip: Books normally available for reference use only can be borrowed from 18:00 on 27 October and returned by 9:00 on 29 October.

Read the latest issue of the Aurora newsletter

What’s new in the collaboration between the nine European universities in the Aurora alliance? The October issue of the Aurora at UP newsletter presents the latest developments in international education and research, the results of joint activities, and further opportunities for students and staff to get involved. The current issue also introduces Niels Hexspoor, who is taking over from Selma Porobić as Aurora’s Institutional Coordinator at UP. Read the latest issue and subscribe to receive it regularly – the newsletter is published four times a year.

AWARDS

Nominate your favourite teachers for the Teaching Awards UP

Do you look forward to your classes? You can now nominate your favourite innovative and inspiring teachers for the third edition of the Teaching Awards UP. Until the end of October, you will find the Teacher Award tile on the course evaluation website, where you can enter just one name in the form. Teachers with the highest number of nominations will then advance to the next round. Who received awards in previous years? Find out in the UP Journal article. (in Czech)

QUESTIONNAIRES

Have you never donated blood? The University Hospital asks what is stopping you

UP has been cooperating with the Olomouc University Hospital and its transfusion department for a long time to support blood donation. Now we want to ask those of you who have not yet donated blood: Why? Are you afraid of needles? Do you lack information? Are you discouraged by the administration, or just didn't have time for it? Help us understand what prevents you from donating so that we can improve the system and make blood donation as easy as possible. Saving lives starts with listening to each other. Fill out the anonymous questionnaire here.

INVITATIONS

Elephants have returned to Olomouc. Find them at the Faculty of Science

Thirteen interactive stations, the lives of elephants in the African wild, and the challenges of protecting them. The In the Footsteps of Elephants (in Czech) exhibition, created at the Fort Science centre, has returned to Olomouc after two years of travelling around Czechia and Slovakia. Until 31 October, you can find it on the sixth floor of the main building of UP’s Faculty of Science at Envelopa. You will learn, for example, how elephants shape the African landscape, why they are endangered, and how people can help protect them.

Fort of Ghosts: Believe It or Not!

Looking for an original way to spend Halloween? From 28 October to 1 November, this year’s Fort of Ghosts, subtitled Believe It or Not, will take you into a world of urban legends, optical illusions and mysterious stories from the Fort Science itself. Is it true that we swallow several spiders a year in our sleep? And can we always believe our own eyes? Look forward to a five-metre inflatable tardigrade outside the entrance, themed activities in the exhibitions, science workshops, spooky stories, and encounters with live bats. On Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October, the Fort Science will also come alive with an evening programme featuring an interactive show and the popular trail of courage. It will stay open until 22:00! Find more information and the full programme on the website. (in Czech)

COMPETITIONS

Win tickets to the Fort of Ghosts!

Believe It or Not! We have six free admissions to this year’s Fort of Ghosts, taking place from 28 October to 1 November. Simply answer the competition question correctly: Which of the following incredible statements is actually true?

• A) A goldfish can only remember the last three seconds of its life.
• B) An octopus has three hearts.
• C) If we swallow chewing gum, it stays in our stomach for seven years.

Send your answers to soutez@upol.cz by Sunday 25 October. On Monday morning, we will draw six winners from the correct answers, each of whom will receive one free ticket.

Win a ticket to UP Business Camp

This year’s UP Business Camp (in Czech) conference will focus on “brand building and brand protection”. The event takes place on 12 November at Fort Science, with speakers representing brands such as Angry Beards, Forendors, Niceboy, Furiosa, Nebe and others. Interested in winning a free ticket to UP Business Camp? Send the correct answer to the competition question to upbc@upol.cz by Monday 26 October, and we will draw one winner from the correct answers. Question: Which edition of UP Business Camp is taking place this year? You can easily find the answer at www.upbc.com (in Czech).

Come and try the new university hoodies at UPoint – the university store on Horní náměstí in Olomouc.