Infrastructure Network failure at Ruhr University

Update from 20.5.2025, 1 p.m.

Some systems are not yet available as usual, including the RUB application portal. There are also still disruptions at GPT@RUB, Limesurvey and Opencast. Recovery work is already underway.

Update from 20.5.2025, 10.45 a.m.

On May 19, 2025, Ruhr University Bochum experienced widespread network outages between midday and late evening. The reason for this was a technical problem in the Ruhr University Data Center. Due to this, the RUB systems were unavailable for several hours. A detailed error analysis is currently underway. After initial analyses, those responsible had ruled out a cyber attack.

“The outages have severely restricted the work of many RUB members, and I would like to apologize for this inconvenience,” says Chancellor Dr. Christina Reinhardt. “At the same time, I would like to thank the teams from the Network Operations Center and IT.SERVICES for doing everything in their power to resolve the problem quickly.”

The first systems were available again from 7.20 p.m. on May 19, with the others gradually getting back up and running.

Due to the network outage, the pages for viewing the electoral roll and submitting nominations for the election of student representatives to the Senate and faculty councils on May 19, 2025 were also unavailable for an extended period of time. For this reason, the deadline for changing the electoral roll and for submitting election proposals has been extended by the election officer until May 21, 2025 at 12 noon.

Update from 20.5.2025, 7.42 a.m.

We are currently investigating whether the outage had any further impact on IT systems and applications. There still appear to be problems with the delivery of emails that were sent yesterday during the network outage. A solution is being worked on.

Update from 19.5.2025, 7.38 p.m.

The error has been found. The first systems are already running again, the others will be accessible again step by step.

Update from 19.5.2025, 5.05 p.m.

We expect to be able to fix the problem this evening. According to previous findings, it is not caused by a cyber attack, but a technical problem.

Original news from 19.5.2025, 3.22 p.m.

Network outages are currently occurring at Ruhr-University Bochum; almost all systems are affected. Those responsible are aware of the problem and are working on solutions. As soon as there is any news, we will inform you here.

The RUB Control Room is also affected by the outage. In emergencies, please dial 112, not the Control Room number.