MORE than 4,000 students' data has been accessed after the University of York was hit by a data hack.

A spokesman for the university says the breach was 'malicious' and led to the administrative records of 88 students being directly accessed - with the hackers able to view some private information.

But no financial or other sensitive data was downloaded.

The university is contacting the 88 students affected.

A further 4,400 students' basic data was also accessed.

Police are investigating the hack and the breach has been reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Anyone with concerns should email itsupport@york.ac.uk.