London High School sent students home due to ransomware attack

TLDR:

• A high school in south London, Charles Darwin School, closed temporarily due to a ransomware attack.
• The attack disrupted IT systems, leading to concerns about data security.

A ransomware attack forced Charles Darwin School in south London to close temporarily, leaving 1,300 students without access to educational facilities. The attack disrupted the school’s IT systems, making essential services like email and internet inaccessible. As a precaution, staff devices were removed for cleansing and student accounts were disabled. The school engaged cybersecurity experts to assess the breach and initiate recovery processes, while the Information Commissioner’s Office conducts a data impact assessment. Ransomware attacks on educational institutions have been on the rise globally, with schools often targeted due to outdated security measures. The National Cyber Security Centre has warned about the growing threat of ransomware. Despite efforts to safeguard IT systems, schools like Charles Darwin face challenges in protecting against cybercriminals. Parents and students have been advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious communications, while alternative platforms are being used to maintain educational continuity during the closure.