NI schools urged to complete C2k reset before new term after cyber attack disruption
- Love Ballymena
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Schools across Northern Ireland are being urged to ensure their C2k accounts are fully reconnected before the start of the new school term, as the Education Authority (EA) moves to reduce ongoing disruption caused by last week’s cyber attack.
In an update issued today, Thursday 9 April 2026, the EA warned that schools which do not complete the required reset process before classes resume are likely to face limited or no access to core C2k services at the start of the school day.
The warning follows the recent cyber security incident which forced the shutdown of the C2k school network and prompted a full password reset across the system.
Urgent action required before pupils return
The Education Authority said schools should act immediately to restore access and minimise disruption for staff and pupils returning after the Easter break.
According to the latest update, the reconnection process requires a password reset for each individual school.
Both primary and post-primary schools have now been advised to begin the process as soon as possible.
The EA said:
“Schools across NI are advised to ensure their C2k accounts are reconnected before the start of the new school term.”
It added: “This will help to reduce ongoing disruption stemming from the recent cyber incident.”
The authority said the reset must be initiated by each school’s designated C2k Manager.
How schools can restore access
Under the recovery arrangements, C2k Managers must contact the EA Service Desk to log a call and begin the password reset.
Once completed, this will allow them to reset passwords for staff and students within their school and regain access to recovery guidance and service updates.
The EA said:
“The C2k reconnection process involves password resets for each school. Both primary and post-primary schools are asked to initiate their resets as soon as possible.”
It added: “C2k Managers in each school can log a call with the EA Service Desk to get their password reset.”
The statement continued: “This will enable them to reset passwords for staff and students in their school. It will also provide access to supporting documentation and updates on service recovery.”
Weekend support line remains open
In an effort to speed up recovery before the start of term, the EA said its Service Desk will remain open throughout the weekend.
School C2k Managers can contact the support line on 0800 0931 541, which will operate from 8am to 5pm for the remainder of this week and over the weekend.
The authority said:
“School C2k Managers can contact the Service Desk on 0800 0931 541. It will remain open 8am to 5pm for the remainder of this week and through the weekend.”
The extended opening hours underline the urgency of restoring access before classrooms reopen.
Risk of major first-day disruption
The most immediate concern for schools is the risk of serious disruption on the first morning of term if resets are not completed in time.
The EA has warned that failure to reconnect accounts before the school day begins could leave staff and pupils unable to access key digital systems.
This includes school email and any other platforms that rely on C2k login credentials.
The authority said: “Schools that have not completed the password reset process before the beginning of term are likely to have limited or no access to core C2K services at the start of the day.”
It added: “This will affect access to email as well as any services that depend on C2K credentials.”
For schools already managing the fallout from last week’s cyber attack, the message is clear: complete the reset now or risk operational disruption when staff and pupils return.
At a glance:
EA has issued a fresh update on the C2k cyber incident
All schools are being urged to reconnect accounts before term resumes
Password resets must be initiated by each school’s C2k Manager
Support line open 8am–5pm through the weekend
Schools that do not reset in time may face limited or no access
Email and services reliant on C2k credentials will be affected
