Cyber Attack Schools : Why They are Vulnerable

The past few weeks have seen an unprecedented number of schools in the UK, 14 in total facing a cyber attack schools, with many of their documents being leaked to the public.

The BBC revealed that highly confidential documents included children's SEN information, child passport scans, staff pay scales and contract details, taken in 2021 & 2022.

This is having a major impact on educators, administrators, and students around the country – not only are their valuable records exposed but there’s potential that confidential data could also be accessed or misused in unauthorized ways.

Cyber Attack Schools – Cyber Security for Schools

Practical resources to help schools improve their cyber security.

1.  The National Cyber Security Centre

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is a practical resource that can help schools to improve their cyber security. The NCSC is a part of the UK government and is responsible for protecting the UK from cyber-attacks. The NCSC provides guidance and advice on how to protect against cyber-attacks, and also runs training courses for those who want to improve their cyber security knowledge.

2.  The Department for Education

The Department for Education (DfE) is another practical resource that can help schools to improve their cyber security. The DfE is the UK government department responsible for education and children’s services. The DfE provides guidance on a range of topics, including cyber security, and also offers funding for initiatives that aim to improve cyber security in schools.

3. The Information Commissioner's Office

The Information Commissioner's Office is the UK's independent regulator for data protection and information rights. The ICO provides guidance on how schools can comply with data protection laws, including the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

4.  Speedster IT

Speedster IT is a leader in helping schools maintain a secure, digital infrastructure. We've worked with many UK educational institutions and provide IT Support London and our expertise to ensure their online data remains safe from cyber-attacks by providing guidance on the latest security measures as well as running workshops aimed at reinforcing knowledge of best practices for staying protected.

We’re a nationwide team of Education IT Consultants who provide fully-managed IT support for schools, colleges or universities that outsource their technology needs.

We also offer additional IT procurement Services for Schools dedicated to assist your in-house IT departments who handle all your hardware/software replacement requirements as well!

5.  Microsoft Educator Community

The Microsoft Educator Community is a global IT support community of educators that share resources and best practices on using technology in the classroom. The Microsoft Educator Community offers a range of resources on using technology safely, including guidance on cyber security.

6. Microsoft Secure Score

Microsoft Secure Score is a measurement of an organization's security posture, with a higher number indicating more recommended actions taken. Following the Secure Score recommendations can protect your organization from threats.

Microsoft Secure Score Helps Organizations:

1. Report on the current state of the organization's security posture.
2. Improve their security posture by providing discoverability, visibility, guidance, and control.
3. Compare with benchmarks and establish key performance indicators (KPIs).

Cyber Attack Schools: what can Speedster IT do to help?

By taking steps now such as investing in advanced cybersecurity solutions like next generation firewalls and penetration testing as well as educating staff members about potential threats -schools can protect themselves from future cyber breaches that could cause irreparable damage both financially and emotionally for all involved parties.

Elevate the safety of your students, teachers and schools with Speedster IT to ensure complete security for Cyber Attack Schools and piece of mind.

Get in touch and see how we can help today.

Every school we work with has different infrastructure, budget and safeguarding requirements, which is why we offer dedicated IT support for schools covering filtering, safeguarding compliance and classroom technology.

Louise

With over 15 years at Speedster IT, I’ve built a career around helping businesses navigate the evolving world of technology. I publish all the content for the IT Support London Blog and Cyber Security Blog, where I share practical insights on infrastructure upgrades, cybersecurity trends, and smart IT strategies for growing companies.