Best Practice

Cyber-security: Key points for schools to address

Cyber-incidents targeting schools are on the rise. Expert Gareth Jelley outlines some key points for schools to address, along with broader recommendations for improving online security to safeguard against attacks
Secure? In the past year, government figures show that the majority of schools and colleges experienced a cyber-security breach - Adobe Stock

Figures from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO, 2024) reveal a worrying rise in cyber-incidents within the education and childcare sector, with 354 cases reported in 2023 – up from 224 the previous year.

Government data also indicates that, in the past year, the majority of schools and colleges experienced a cyber-security breach (DSIT, 2024). Given this landscape, what steps should schools take to protect themselves?

First, let’s examine some emerging trends in cyber-security for schools.

 

Cyber-attackers exploiting remote access systems

Over the past year we have witnessed an increase in the number of schools experiencing attacks through their remotely accessible systems.

Schools commonly use remote desktop services to allow staff access to internal resources. As the majority of these do not require multi-factor authentication, attackers can easily gain access to school networks by using simple techniques.

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