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Reprimand in orange text on a blue back ground which has computers. ICO logo in the top left
Information/Cyber Security

ICO Reprimand: company suffered a ransomware attack

Recently the ICO reprimanded a company that suffered a ransomware attack.  The attack resulted in a data breach - learning lessons from real-life incidents is a valuable way to promote knowledge sharing and improve.

Key points to take from the reprimand are:
  • Lack of multi-factor authentication
  • Inadequate account lockout policy
  • No clear Bring your own device policy
  • Implementing a comprehensive set of policies
These are basic configurations/setups that are essentially free to implement and set up.  Had these controls been in place it could have significantly reduced the likelihood of a successful cyber attack.

The report also notes that the company held personal data for longer than was necessary and that there were not appropriate organisational measures in place to ensure confidentiality and integrity of their systems.

View the full reprimand details here:  ICO Reprimand Optionis Group Limited

We would advise all organisations however large or small to have these security measures in place as a step to being cyber resilient.

Our Knowledge Bank covers all of the above and more:


Records Management Best Practice Area
pdf DPE Model Bring Your Own Device Policy
(15 KB) Information & Cyber Security Best Practice Area
Review our Cyber Security Checklist (you will need a DPE subscription to be able to view):

What to do in the event of a Cyber Attack 

Tell someone!  Report to IT. Report to SLT.

Unplug the computer from the internet by removing the ethernet cable or turning the Wi-Fi off. Isolate the infected device and pass to IT 

If you are a victim of a ransomware attack we would recommend reporting this to:
Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ as well as your data protection officer so they can advise about the data loss or your local police and ask for the cyber crime team or phone 101 and ask for the cyber crime team.

Most cyber crimes like these will also need to be reported to the ICO by your data protection officer. Our customers should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

These incidents should also be reported to the DfE sector cyber team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Academy trusts have to report these attacks to ESFA.

Where the incident causes long term school closure, the closure of more than 1 school or serious financial damage, you should also inform the National Cyber Security Centre.

Always ensure there are backups you can restore from.  Preserving evidence is as important as recovering from the crime.

Forward suspicious emails to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).

Little Guide to ACTION FRAUD

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