West Lothian schools hit by ransomware cyberattack

Schools in West Lothian have been the victim of a suspected criminal ransomware cyberattack.

A council spokesperson said the attack had affected its education network and contingency plans to keep schools open was under way.

Ransomware is a type of malware which prevents someone from accessing a device and the data stored on it, usually by encrypting files, according to the National Cyber Security Centre.

A criminal investigation into the attack ongoing and the council is working with Police Scotland and the Scottish government.

A spokesperson for West Lothian Council said: “There is no evidence that any personal or sensitive data has been accessed at this stage.

“Contingency plans are in place to ensure our schools can operate with minimal disruption until this issue is resolved. All West Lothian Council schools will be open as normal this week, and SQA examinations will not be affected.

“There is no evidence at this time, that the council’s corporate and public access networks are affected by the attack.”

Often a criminal group will demand a ransom in exchange for decryption.

West Lothian has 13 secondary schools, 69 primary schools and 61 nurseries.