Children's Department fights off malware attacks

DCSF sees 4,600 computers attacked in 2008

Viruses have been attacking government computers

The Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) detected and blocked 28,890 viruses targeted at more than 4,600 computers during 2008.

The level of threats was revealed in a written answer to parliament by the under secretary of state for schools and learners, Sarah McCarthy-Fry.

The DCSF was unable to say how many computers were affected in local authority children’s services or in schools.

The Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (CAFCASS) had no record of any infection by malware in 2008.