Boy, 16, arrested over cyber attack on schools’ IT system

Schools across Northern Ireland were targeted in the cyber attack (Danny Lawson/PA)

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested by police investigating a cyber attack which targeted an IT system used by schools in Northern Ireland.

Schools across the region were impacted following the incident earlier this month.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Cyber Crime Investigation Team arrested a 16-year-old male on suspicion of offences under Sections 1, 2 and 3A of the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

The arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into a report received on Thursday April 2 of network intrusion activity involving the Education Authority

“The male was arrested earlier today in the Portadown area, Wednesday April 15, and has since been released pending further inquiries.

“A follow-up search has taken place.

“The arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into a report received on Thursday April 2 of network intrusion activity involving the Education Authority.”

Online and IT systems in schools in the region are provided through the C2K network.

The Education Authority apologised recently for the impact of the cyber attack on pupils who were preparing for exams over the Easter break.

It left schools and pupils unable to log into their accounts.

The C2K system is used as a curriculum support.

- Press Association