Education Authority update after Northern Ireland school systems hit by cyber attack

The IT system was the target of a cyber attack on Friday with the EA carrying out a full password reset as a security measure in response

The Education Authority says positive steps have been made towards restoring access after an IT system used by pupils in Northern Ireland was hit by a cyber attack.

The IT system was the target of a cyber attack on Friday, April 3, with the EA carrying out a full password reset as a security measure in response.

The C2K school system, provided by Capita, is used as a curriculum support.

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The Education Authority (EA) said it was taking the incident “very seriously” and apologised for the impact on pupils who may be preparing for exams over the Easter break.

It said that user passwords are being reset over the weekend, with priority given to students at post-primary schools who are due to sit exams.

In an update on Saturday afternoon, a spokesperson for the EA said: “EA continues to engage with the C2K system provider, Capita, to minimise the impact on staff and pupils, following a recent cyber-attack.

“We are making positive progress towards restoring access to the schools’ C2K system.

“EA teams, along with the service provider Capita and colleagues in schools, have worked around the clock to rapidly develop and test a safe and secure solution.

“We have started to roll this out in schools, with initial priority given to post primary schools and pupils in exam years.

“Work will continue over the weekend and Easter period to restore access across the estate. Details of arrangements will be communicated to pupils by their school as soon as possible.

“We apologise for the unavoidable disruption, but would reassure users, this essential security measure was taken to maintain the integrity of the system and safety of all users.

“EA would like to thank schools and partners for their support as we continue monitor progress over coming days. We will continue to keep schools, parents/carers and pupils updated via EA website Education Authority and our social media channels.”

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