School IT system targeted in cyber attack ahead of exam season

The Education Authority (EA) confirmed that a critical IT system used by schools in Northern Ireland has been hit by a cyber attack, disrupting access to online resources. The incident occurred as schools prepared for the upcoming exam season, forcing an immediate password reset for all users to address the security issue.

According to an EA statement, steps were taken swiftly to contain the problem, though the full scope of the breach remains under investigation. While the authority could not yet confirm if personal data was compromised, it emphasized that the password reset was a necessary measure to secure the network.

“We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and are collaborating with the Information Commissioner’s Office and other relevant bodies to assess the situation,” said an EA representative.

As a result of the attack, all schools and students were logged out of their accounts, preventing access to essential materials provided by teachers. This disruption has raised concerns, especially for students relying on the C2K network for coursework and revision during the Easter break.

Methodist College in Belfast (MCB) is one of the affected institutions, with over 800 pupils set to take GCSE, AS, and A-Level exams shortly after the holiday. Principal Jenny Lendrum highlighted the system’s role in daily operations, noting that it links various platforms, including email and cloud storage services like OneDrive.

“Every aspect of learning—whether emails, online platforms, or shared resources—depends on the C2K network,” Lendrum explained. “When it goes down, students lose access to everything they need to study effectively.”

Lendrum added that despite the school’s recommendation for an Easter break, many students continue revising during the holidays. “The system outage has created a major obstacle for those preparing for exams,” she said, stressing the importance of uninterrupted access to materials.

Kian Hawes, a 14-year-old student at Lumen Christi College in Londonderry and education officer for the Secondary Students Union of Northern Ireland, echoed these concerns. “The Easter break is usually a key time for revision, but the C2K issue has thrown that off track,” he noted. “Students are already stressed about exams and will face additional frustration without proper access.”

With the system down, students are unable to retrieve important study resources or collaborate with teachers, affecting their preparation. The EA has promised to provide updates on regaining access and the password reset process “as soon as possible,” aiming to minimize further disruption.