A Wiltshire secondary school has been severely affected by a targeted attack by hackers who demanded a ransom to restore access to its IT network. The attack affected the school's local server, its website, internet access, Wi-Fi, printers and internal phone systems.
A full report can be read here: https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/23476464.hacker-demands-ransom-taking-control-wiltshire-schools/
The school's website was still down several days later. An update a few days later was published here: https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/23484633.hardenhuish-school-cyber-attack-update-hackers-demand-ransom/
In the BBC report cyber expert, Prof Alan Woodward, from the University of Surrey, said schools are a "soft target".
"IT is not their core business, they don't have big IT teams, and if they're all using standard software and a vulnerability is found in it, then the criminals will quite quickly realise that.
"The advice is never to pay. It sounds like a quick way out, but the prices are extortionate, and you're painting a big target on your back.
"Hackers sell what they call 'suckers lists' on the dark web, where they say 'these people will pay up', and often it can lead to further attacks," he added.
The full BBC Report can be found here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-65411450
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What to do in the event of a cyber attack
First, follow your cyber response plan. Record the incident in your internal incident log, inform your governing board or trustees, and contact your Data Protection Officer (DPO) as soon as possible if personal data could be involved.
Incidents or attacks where a security breach may have taken place, or other damage was caused, should also be reported to an external body. The SLT digital lead is responsible for assigning someone to report any suspicious cyber incidents or attacks. This person will need to report to:
- Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud in December 2025, on 0300 123 2040 or through the Report Fraud website. Make sure it is recorded as a crime report so that you receive a crime reference number.
- the DfE sector cyber team at
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You may also need to report to:
- the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) if the incident or attack causes long-term school closure, the closure of more than one school, or serious financial damage. If you're not sure who to report to, use the government's cyber incident signposting service.
- the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) within 72 hours of becoming aware of a personal data breach, unless the breach is unlikely to result in a risk to people's rights and freedoms. If the risk is high, you must also tell the people affected without undue delay. Your DPO can help you assess this. We will do this on behalf of DPE customers.
- the Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA) emergency assistance helpline on 0800 368 6378 or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , if you are an RPA member, or your cyber insurance provider if you have one - your local police force if you suspect a safeguarding impact
- any third-party service providers whose systems are affected, so they can be part of a coordinated response
- Jisc CSIRT, if you are part of a further education institution.
You must act in accordance with:
- Report Fraud's guide to reporting cyber crime and fraud
- Academy Trust Handbook Part 6, if you are part of an academy trust. Since September 2025, academy trusts must not pay any cyber ransom demands.
- the ICO's guidance on personal data breaches.
Preserve the evidence
Police investigations may find out whether any compromised data has been published or sold, and identify the perpetrator. Preserving evidence is as important as recovering from the crime. Keep a clear record of what happened, when, and what actions you took. The DfE's guidance on record keeping in an incident explains what to capture.
Reporting suspicious emails and texts
Forward suspicious emails to