Oxford University's Covid lab suffers cyberattack

London - Affected systems include machines used to prepare biochemical samples.

Oxford University has confirmed that one of its laboratories involved in Covid-19 research suffered a cyberattack after an investigation by Forbes suggested that hackers were showing off access to a number of systems.

The university on Thursday, however, said that there has been "no impact" on any clinical research.

The hack is understood to have taken place in the middle of the month, but it is not clear who is behind the attack.

The affected laboratory, Division of Structural Biology (known as "Strubi"), is not directly involved in the development of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19.

Scientists at the laboratory have been involved in studying in the working mechanism of Covid-19 cells and how to prevent them from causing harm.

The affected systems in the attack included machines used to prepare biochemical samples, said the Forbes report.

"We have identified and contained the problem and are now investigating further," an Oxford University spokesperson was quoted as saying.

The university is working with authorities in Britain for further investigation into the attack.