The latest data theft from West Lothian’s schools has left many people feeling worried, as personal and sensitive information has been confirmed to be among the stolen data. The council’s opposition group, led by depute group leader Councillor Pauline Stafford, has moved to reassure parents and carers in light of these revelations. Letters have been sent out advising parents to take extra precautions, and a live investigation is currently ongoing to address the situation. It has been clarified that no financial details or confidential pupil records were taken by the hackers.
Reassurance Amidst Concerns
Councillor Stafford acknowledged the concerns of the public, stating that ongoing investigations have revealed a small percentage of data stored on the council’s education network has been compromised. She emphasized that efforts are being made to determine the exact data that was stolen, while also reassuring parents that the majority of systems used by schools to communicate with parents and carers remain unaffected. Risk assessments have been conducted, and necessary actions have been taken to mitigate any potential risks.
Apologies and Appreciation
The council expressed their apologies to those affected by the criminal cyberattack and commended the efforts of council staff, particularly the education staff who have worked tirelessly to minimize the impact on children and young people, especially those preparing for exams. They urged people to remain vigilant against phishing attacks and scams, advising them to seek assistance if they have any concerns. Parents have been advised not to contact their school or the customer contact center regarding the cyberattack, as further details are still being gathered at this stage.
