Cyberattacks disrupt online classes for public schools

The government-run research and education networks CARNet and Srce came under cyberattack on Monday, disrupting a new online schooling system.

The attacks happened as public schools were switching to online learning because of the coronavirus threat that has shut down all schools for the next two weeks. 

The hackers tried to disrupt the new on-line schooling program that is being phased in this week. The virtual classrooms are expected to be up and running for all public schools in the country by Wednesday.

Education Minister Blaženka Divjak did not mince words in condemning the cyberattacks.

“It's really a shame that there always seem to be such irresponsible individuals. These particular individuals with their, excuse the expression, deviant and idiotic behavior are causing these problems,” she said.

 The minister expressed optimism that difficulties would be overcome. The attack left many students unable to register and log into the system.  Despite this, Divjak said, nationwide coverage was wider than expected.

"Since late Sunday evening we have had around 280,000 user accounts, and we could reach the figure of 400,000 users by Wednesday," she said.

The minister said that the quantity of digital teaching material was sufficient to cover a week of online classes and that work was underway on one more week of online classes.

Classes for grades 1-4 is being broadcast via public broadcast channel HRT3.