An attack on the C2K system, which provides IT access and online systems to schools across Northern Ireland, has left GCSE and A-Level students without access to revision material over the Easter break.
The Education Authority (EA) says it is making “positive progress” towards a solution, but many students are still left without answers,
What happened?
On Thursday, the EA contacted schools across the north to warn of IT issues and advise that a full password reset would take place for all users.
This logged out all students and teachers from the system, leaving pupils unable to access the revision material and work assigned to them by their teachers for the Easter break.
As exam season looms closer, the EA has said it is taking the incident “very seriously” and has apologised for the inconvenience caused to students.
Is this something to be concerned about?
The EA has not yet confirmed whether any personal data from users has been affected by the attack.
In a statement released Saturday afternoon, a spokesperson reassured users that the password reset was an “essential security measure was taken to maintain the integrity of the system and safety of all users“.
In a previous statement, a spokesperson had also reassured those involved that the EA is “taking this very seriously” and officials are “engaging with the Information Commissioner’s Office and relevant authorities as part of our response”.
When can a resolution be expected?
The EA and Capita, who manage the C2K system, have been working to find a “safe and secure” solution for pupils.
“We have started to roll this out in schools, with initial priority given to post-primary schools and pupils in exam years.”
“Work will continue over the weekend and Easter period to restore access across the estate. Details of arrangements will be communicated to pupils by their school as soon as possible.”