School held to ransom after hackers steal coursework

A SECoNdARY school is being held to ransom by online hackers who have taken pupils’ coursework.

Police have launched an investigation following the digital attack on Sir John Colfox Academy in Bridport, dorset.

The attack took place on February 28 after a member of staff at the state secondary mistakenly opened an email containing a virus. The email was sent from China and forwarded from a server in Germany.

The hackers used malicious software, known as ransomware, to encrypt files on the school’s computer network – leading to the loss of a number of Year 11 students’ GCSE coursework in product design and food preparation and nutrition.

dorset Police said the school has been asked to pay a ransom in exchange for the data’s return but did not specify the amount. A spokesman said: ‘No money has been exchanged. A full investigation is under way... and [our] cyber crime unit is supporting and providing advice to the school.

In a letter to parents, head teacher david Herbert said students’ and staff’s personal data are not on the system and are secure.