Schools threatened by hackers in cyber attack

It could take weeks for services to be restored at the schools, the trust CEO confirmed

Schools across Lancashire have been hit by a cyber attack with the majority of computer systems affected.

Dean Logan, CEO of Fylde Coast Academy Trust, confirmed the Blackpool trust had been subjected to ransomware, which infected the organisation's IT infrastructure and resulted in limited accessibility to systems.

It is not known if the so-called ransomware - a form of malicious software that encrypts files - was used to demand cash from schools or academies belonging to the trust.

Mr Logan said it would take a number of days before the full impact could be understood and services could be restored to schools.

All 10 of the trust's academies - including Blackpool's Aspire, Montgomery and Unity and Aspire high schools as well as a number of primary schools - are believed to have been affected.

They have all reverted to non-IT based processes.

'Pulling together'

Phone lines have also been impaired following the incident.

Mr Logan told parents and carers to contact schools "only when necessary".

He said within hours of the attack the trust received support from the Department of Education and a cyber security team.

The BBC has approached the Department of Education for comment.

Restoration of "key services" are expected to be resumed next week but "full restoration" may take a number of weeks to ensure the ransomware is removed, Mr Logan added.

He said: "Our focus remains in providing the highest possible care and education for pupils during this recovery.

"Leaders, teachers, support staff and pupils have responded very positively and with resilience.

"The skills and knowledge learnt during the Covid-19 pandemic have provided reassurance and confidence in dealing with this challenge.

"We are very grateful for the support being received, the offers of support from the local authority, other school trusts as well as our school communities who are all pulling together to beat this challenge."