Northern Ireland's school IT system targeted in cyber attack ahead of exam season

School IT system targeted in cyber attack ahead of exam season12 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleRobbie MeredithEducation and arts correspondent, BBC News NIGetty ImagesSome pupils are due to sit GCSE, AS and A-Level exams a few weeks after the Easter breakAn IT system used by schools across Northern Ireland has been targeted in a cyber attack, the Education Authority (EA) has said.On Thursday, schools received a message that as part of "work to manage an IT security issue" the EA would be carrying out a password reset for all users.An EA spokesperson said immediate steps were taken to contain the issue and a full investigation is underway, but it could not confirm whether any personal data has been affected.It has resulted in all schools and pupils being logged out of their accounts, meaning pupils cannot log in to get work or resources provided by their teachers in the run up to exam season.All online and IT systems in schools in Northern Ireland are provided through the C2K network, managed by the EA."We are taking this very seriously and are engaging with the Information Commissioner's Office and relevant authorities as part of our response," the EA spokesperson said.'Sincerely apologise' "The investigation is at an early stage, and we are not yet able to confirm whether any personal data has been affected," they said."As a critical security measure, a full password reset has been carried out across the school network. Capita is conducting further security tests, and access to the system is currently unavailable."The EA spokesperson added that they will update users on the arrangements for regaining access "as soon as possible", including arrangements for password resets."We understand and sincerely apologise for the impact on staff and pupils; particularly pupils who may be preparing for exams or completing coursework during the Easter period," they said."We are workin...