As detailed in Tech Radar, a significant cyberattack targeting the Bristol school network has resulted in the unauthorized release of over 320,000 stolen files on the dark web.
The breach originated from an attack on Trading with Schools, a service managed by Bristol City Council that provides IT and administrative support to local educational institutions. Following the initial discovery of malware in September 2026, the council suspended the service to contain the threat. While early assessments suggested no data was compromised, officials have since confirmed that files from 39 schools were stolen and subsequently published online. The stolen information likely includes sensitive administrative, payroll and personnel records. Authorities, including the Avon and Somerset Police and the Regional Organised Crime Unit, are currently auditing the leaked data to identify the specific individuals affected. In the interim, the council has issued urgent warnings to students, parents and staff to remain vigilant against phishing attempts, fraudulent communications and potential identity theft. Users are advised to implement multi-factor authentication and exercise extreme caution regarding unsolicited requests for personal or financial information. The investigation remains ongoing as experts work to determine the full extent of the exposure and mitigate further risks to the school community.
Source: Tech Radar
