Bradford teachers report laptops donated for children are infected with malware and connect to Russian servers

.According to an online forum, teachers from a school in Bradford noticed the issue and believe it contacts Russian servers.

“Upon unboxing and preparing them it was discovered that a number of the laptops are infected with a self-propagating network worm (Gamarue.I),” the forum message says.

Bradford Council confirmed to the PA news agency that it issued an email as soon as it became aware of the issue.

Gamarue.I, identified by Microsoft in 2012, is a worm capable of downloading files onto a PC.

According to the tech firm, it can be installed when a spam email attachment is opened and can also copy itself to any USB flash drives connected to the computer.

The Department for Education said it is looking into the problem as a matter of urgency but does not think it is widespread.

“We are aware of an issue with a small number of devices,” a spokesperson said.

“And we are investigating as an urgent priority to resolve the matter as soon as possible.

“DfE IT teams are in touch with those who have reported this issue.

“We believe this is not widespread.”

The Government has committed to giving 1.3 million laptops and tablets to poorer children during lockdown, with more than 800,000 of these delivered already.

Labour’s shadow education secretary Kate Green, called reports “deeply concerning” and said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson must decide if “he is going to put in place a credible plan for children to learn at home, or if he will just tell the Russian server to go away and shut up”.

Brian Higgins, security specialist at Comparitech, said: “Whilst it is unclear where these particular laptops were sourced, it is absolutely vital that anyone seeking to source devices, whether they are bought using sponsorship or donated directly, be fully aware of the risk that they may contain dormant or active malicious software and research appropriate methods to make them safe before they are distributed to homes and families.

“The potential for malicious software to be used against recipients is not limited to the children for which the devices are intended, as access to the internet will no doubt be useful for other family and friends outside of school hours.

“I would highly recommend that anyone distributing devices include some information about online safety.”