What happened
Our IT Team, who have gained Cyber Security Essential Accreditation, have implemented a number of systems that helped us to identify the attack and took action to shut-down our systems to minimise the impact.
We are now working with a team of cyber specialists who helped to isolate and contain the attack and are now checking systems before they are made live again. The investigation is in its earliest stages so we can’t share any more details about its scope or nature, at this time.
The Information Commissioner’s Office has been notified and Lincolnshire Police is investigating the matter.
IT disruption
Many of our remote learning systems are not impacted by this incident, so our remote learners should only experience limited to no disruption.
We have put in place temporary solutions for on-site learning whilst we continue without the use of IT, but all sessions are going ahead without disruption (subject to the safety measures in place due to COVID-19). We’re pleased that practical sessions and workshops are also unimpacted by this cyber incident.
People may be experiencing difficulties contacting the College via phone. Until our systems are back up, anyone wishing to contact Lincoln, Newark, or Gainsborough Colleges should use this number: 01427 617471.
We are contactable via email as normal, but you may experience some delay in response for which we apologise.
Our online applications and enrolments are up and running and can be accessed here.
Whilst the attackers have no regard for the valuable contribution of our key workers in educating and training young people in our communities in the midst of a global pandemic, we’re pleased that our swift action means that lessons are continuing for our learners.
We will share updated information about when the rest of our systems will be back online, on this page. This may take a while and we would appeal to local families of our students, employers we work with and our supply chain to be patient with us.
