Blacon High School cancels classes indefinitely to recover from a cyber attack

Blacon High School in Chester said it suffered a major cyber security incident that forced it to cancel classes for several days to restore operations.

 

In a data security incident notice on its website, Blacon High School’s headteacher Rachel Hudson said that on January 17, the school was a victim of a ransomware attack that affected its internal network.

 

As a precaution, the Blacon, Chester-based school decided to cancel all classes on the 20th and the 21st of January. The school also launched an investigation, with assistance from external cyber security experts, to determine the scope of the incident. Headteacher Hudson said that more information about the incident will be shared once the investigation is completed.

 

“School may need to be closed for longer but we will know more in the next few days and update you as soon as we have more information,” reads the notice.

 

Hudson added that “once all staff devices have been cleansed, teachers will spend time re-planning lessons and will set work on Google Classroom for students to complete at home during Monday and Tuesday.  Meanwhile, senior staff are creating systems to enable us to continue running the school.”

 

“However, if any students would like to collect lunch from school, they can do so by going to reception between 11.00am and 1.00pm on the days we are closed.

 

“Unfortunately, cyber-attacks like this are happening more frequently despite having the latest security measures in place.  This has sadly been experienced by the NHS, National Rail, other public sector departments and schools.

 

“We will keep parents and students updated and will open as soon as it is safe to do so. All communication will be sent via Parent Pay, social media and the school website,” she added.

 

While original phone lines are still inactive, the school has established an alternative number where students and caregivers can call in case of emergency.