Northern Ireland schools hit by cyber attack

The Education Authority (EA) of Northern Ireland has confirmed that a cyber attack has hit schools.

On April 3, the EA said that the C2k network, which provides online and IT services to schools, was the target. The system’s manager, Capita, took “immediate steps to contain the issue”, the EA said. 

A full investigation is underway, and the EA is not yet able to confirm whether any personal data has been affected. The authority is working with the Information Commissioner’s Office and relevant authorities.  

A full password reset was carried out across the school network and Capita is conducting further security tests. Access to the system was initially unavailable but the EA, working closely with Capita and schools, has begun the process of resetting user passwords so staff and pupils can get back online as quickly and securely as possible. 

The authority said that priority is being given to post‑primary schools, particularly those supporting pupils in examination years, with progress being tracked throughout the process.