FAMILIES, students and teachers personal data has been stolen in a cyber attack which hit a school last month.

The Misbourne in Great Missenden was hit by a ransomware attack which affected the Academy's IT systems which 'significantly affected its infrastructure and operations'.

Headteacher Rich Peters closed the school from Wednesday, January 24 and Wednesday, January 31, due to the attack.

Since then, the school is trying to reach out to former and present staff members of the school community who may have been affected by the cyber attack.

The school has been working closely with the National Cyber Security Centre, the Information Commissioner’s Office, the police and other specialists.

It has been established that a limited amount of personal data relating to the period 2005 to the end of January 2024 has been stolen.  

The academy is contacting its current staff, families and students where their data is affected, with a description of the data that has been stolen and advice about how to protect their security online; and will be attempting to reach other affected people where possible to contact them directly.

Any former staff or students, or anyone else who was connected to The Misbourne during the period 2005 to January 2024, who wish to know if they have been affected by the cyber attack, should contact its designated email address: cyberresponse@themisbourne.co.uk  

Headteacher, Mr Rich Peters, said: “This was an upsetting situation that we take extremely seriously, and we are enormously grateful for the expert help and advice we have had from the authorities.

“I would also like to thank the community again for its support and patience during this challenging time – it is greatly appreciated.”