He was arrested in the Portadown area and has since been released pending further enquiries
12:21, 15 Apr 2026Updated 12:28, 15 Apr 2026
Stock image(Image: Declan Roughan / Press Eye)
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested by police investigating a cyber attack which targeted an IT system used by schools in Northern Ireland.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s cyber crime investigation team arrested a 16-year-old male on suspicion of offences under Sections 1, 2 and 3A of the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
“The male was arrested earlier today in the Portadown area, Wednesday 15 April, and has since been released pending further enquiries.
“A follow-up search has taken place.
“The arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into a report received on Thursday 2 April of network intrusion activity involving the Education Authority.”
Online and IT systems in schools in the region are provided through the C2K network.
The Education Authority apologised recently for the impact of the cyber attack on pupils who were preparing for exams over the Easter break.
It left schools and pupils unable to log into their accounts.
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