Canvey Infant School in Essex dealing with a significant cyber incident

Canvey Infant School, an Essex-based primary school, experienced a significant cyber attack that disrupted access to IT systems and forced school authorities to delay school reopening.

 

Recently, Canvey Infant School headteacher Sandra Dorrington said in a statement shared with local media that the school was a victim of a cyber attack over the summer holidays. Immediately after identifying the attack, school authorities launched an investigation, with assistance from external cyber security experts, to determine the nature and scope of the incident.

 

“During the summer holidays, the school unfortunately suffered a cyber-attack,” Dorrington said. “While we have taken all of the precautionary security measures to deal with any such cyber threat, this attack has resulted in the school’s IT system being compromised.”

 

“The incident has been reported to the National Cyber Security Centre. Essex County Council are also aware and are supporting the school,” she added.

 

According to Dorrington, while the infant school’s IT team is working round-the-clock to resolve the issue, they have “already made significant progress in restoring systems.” The management has decided to keep the institution closed on September 3.

 

“This will enable us to further resolve the issues caused by the attack and allow teaching staff additional time to prepare for their new class, given they do not have access to resources stored on the school system,” Ms Dorrington added.

 

Parents and guardians have been notified about the incident and school authority said more information will be shared as and when available.

 

Commenting on the primary school facing a cyber attack, a spokesman for Essex County Council said, “We are aware of a cyber security incident affecting Canvey Infant School. We are supporting the school as required to minimise the impact on the start of the autumn term.”

 

As per information posted on the school’s website, the staff does not have access to the email system, indicating that the school may have suffered an encryption event. “We have no access to emails at the moment. Should you need to contact the school, please telephone and leave a message. 01268 683257. Thank you,” the notice reads.