Leytonstone School in London has been forced to close following a devastating cyber attack that targeted its IT system. The attack, described as a “critical IT incident,” resulted in the unauthorized access of a significant amount of personal data.
Since half term, only GCSE students have been able to attend in person, while all other year groups at the 800-pupil secondary school are participating in remote learning from home.
The closure of the school is attributed to the inaccessibility of a crucial document known as the single central record, which contains vital information and vetting checks of all staff members.
Headteacher Jessica McQuaid emphasized that without this document in place, it is illegal for the school to operate. The school’s WiFi and phone system are also non-functional due to the cyber attack, adding to the challenges faced by the educational institution.
The hack has disrupted the school’s operations, leaving students in most year groups unable to attend in person. Remote learning has become the temporary solution while efforts are underway to restore the IT systems and secure the compromised personal data.
The incident highlights the severity of cyber attacks on educational institutions and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and ensure uninterrupted learning for students.
