The attack was a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack causing their internet to be intermittent as well as affecting the use of VLE and VPN. In this instance, the universities only reported a few hours of disrupted services. This group of cyber criminals appear to be a subgroup of the pro-Russian threat actor group Killnet, and focuses on DDoS attacks.
Further information can be read here: UK universities left scrambling in wake of cyber attacks
It is known that often educational institutions can be 'easy' targets for cyber criminals. The DfE Cyber Security Standards for Schools and Colleges gives guidance about how to create a more robust and secure environment.
As part of our data protection service to schools we offer an Information/Cyber Security Best Practice Area, Checklists, Training and Awareness and guidance.
Types of Cyber Attacks: DDoS Attacks
What to do in the event of a Cyber Attack
Incidents or attacks where any security breaches may have taken place, or other damage was caused, should be reported to an external body.
The SLT digital lead will be responsible for assigning someone to report any suspicious cyber incidents or attacks. This person will need to report this to:
- Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or the Action Fraud website
- the DfE sector cyber team at
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You may also need to report to:
- the NCSC website if the incident or attack causes long term school closure, the closure of more than one school, or serious financial damage
- the ICO website within 72 hours, where a high risk data breach has or may have occurred
- your cyber insurance provider (if you have one), such as risk protection arrangement (RPA)
- Jisc, if you are a part of a further education institution
You must act in accordance with:
- Action Fraud guidance for reporting fraud and cyber crime
- Academy Trust Handbook Part 6, if you are part of an academy trust
- ICO requirements for reporting personal data breaches
Police investigations may find out if any compromised data has been published or sold and identify the perpetrator.
m. Preserving evidence is as important as recovering from the crime.
Forward suspicious emails to