Criminal Investigation Launched After Cyber-Attack On School’s IT Network
Written by HFM News on 21st January 2021
Police have launched a criminal investigation after a major cyber-attack on IT systems at Welland Park Academy in Market Harborough.
The serious hack has also affected home computers and laptops being used by students for remote learning, with hard drives being completely wiped, although it is not believed any personal data was compromised.
Officers from Leicestershire Police’s Cyber Crime unit have been at the school for the past two days, working with software giant Microsoft on the investigation.
Pupils who had connected to the school’s systems had been told not to switch on their computers, but they now can do.
A spokesman for Leicestershire Police told Hfm: “It’s a confirmed cyber-attack that has disrupted their IT systems and stopped the school carrying out remote teaching.
“Devices that have tried to connect to the school’s network have also been affected although there is currently no evidence of any data exfiltration.
“Thankfully, that issued is now resolved and there is no more threat to personal devices.
“The Cyber Crime Unit have been working round the clock with Microsoft to try and restore the school’s IT.
“A criminal investigation is ongoing.”
Anyone who has had their personal computer affected should email admin@wellandparkacademy.com.
Pic: Andy Carpenter
