It’s reasonable to expect that schools will protect their students' data, as well as the sensitive information of staff and parents. With the rise of online learning, cyberbullying, and sophisticated data breaches, the importance of robust cybersecurity practices cannot be overestimated, or overstated.
The evolving cybersecurity requirements in schools
The technological advancements in education have brought many benefits, including personalised learning, access to global resources, and the ability to collaborate with peers online. Worryingly, it has also exposed schools to a range of cybersecurity threats.
In the UK, schools have become frequent targets for cybercriminals. Schools now account for a significant portion of cyberattacks in the education sector, with phishing scams, malware, and ransomware posing the greatest threats. As educational institutions manage large amounts of personal data, including highly sensitive student records, medical information, and staff details, ensuring this data is secure needs to be a top priority.
Key cybersecurity responsibilities for schools
1. Protecting student data
Schools are responsible for safeguarding the personal and academic information of their students, which may often include things of highly sensitive and confidential nature. With data breaches on the rise, schools must ensure they have a suitably qualified IT team, able to implement robust data protection measures, including encryption, secure access controls, and regular system updates.
2. Training staff and students on cybersecurity
One of the most effective ways to prevent cyberattacks is through education. Schools should include regular training for staff and students alike on cybersecurity best practices, such as recognising phishing emails, creating strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious websites. In many cases, the digital-native students will be more savvy to online threats like this than some of the teachers! By encouraging a school-wide culture of digital awareness and responsible use, schools can reduce the risk of human error; the leading causes of cyber incidents.
3. Implementing fortified IT infrastructure
A secure IT infrastructure is the foundation of any cybersecurity strategy. This includes having a reliable firewall, VPN networks, antivirus software, and backup systems in place. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits are essential for identifying potential weaknesses in the school’s network.
The role of external support
Given the complexity of modern cybersecurity threats, many organisations benefit from partnering with external cybersecurity experts, support which is increasingly relevant for schools. External professionals can provide guidance on implementing best practices, responding to breaches, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements, as well as conducting training at all levels, from your internal IT department to your students themselves.
As custodians of vast amounts of sensitive information, schools have a profound responsibility to protect their staff and students from cyber threats. By investing in strong and holistic cybersecurity practices, schools not only protect their communities, but build a safer learning environment for the next generation of digital citizens.