A SCHOOL hit by a devastating cyber attack which delayed its re-opening following the summer holidays has confirmed no “sensitive information” was accessed by hackers.
Canvey Infant School, on Long Road, announced last week it would have to push back children’s return to school until Wednesday after a cyber attack left the IT system compromised and teachers unable to gain access.
In a positive update today, school leaders confirmed that issue had now been resolved and that no information related to pupils had been accessed during the cyber attack.
The incident is being investigated by the National Cyber Security Centre.
This comes after Billericay School was forced to close following a “cyber malware attack” on May 31 which prevented teachers accessing the system.
Unlike the Canvey School incident, it was found that the names, addresses, and personal information of pupils may have been accessed by criminals during the “significant cyber-attack”.
Recovery works forced teachers to resort to using “more traditional” teaching methods at the time, but has since recovered.
Sandra Dorrington, headteacher of Canvey School, said: “We are pleased to be welcoming pupils back to school on Wednesday 4 September.
“Our IT staff have worked closely with Essex County Council’s cyber security team to ensure the situation has been resolved and no sensitive information has been accessed.
“Our teaching staff have also worked hard to prepare lessons following the reinstatement of the school’s IT system.
“The incident has been reported to The National Cyber Security Centre and we will continue to work with the council to safeguard for the future.”
Previously, Mrs Dorrington confirmed the school was targeted over the summer holidays despite “all precautionary measures” being taken to safeguard the school’s IT system.
All children will return to the classroom on Wednesday following the cyber attack.
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