Cyber-Security For Independent Schools in 2023

Over three-quarters of UK, schools have experienced at least one type of cyber incident in the last year.  Cybersecurity is a significant concern for schools in the UK as they increasingly rely on technology for academic operations. These institutions face various cyber threats that can potentially compromise sensitive data and disrupt their functioning. As one of our primary sectors, we’ve had the chance to partner with multiple independent schools, doing so has given us the opportunity to learn first-hand what puts schools at risk and what the most effective safeguards to implement are.

In this blog, we will discuss some of the most prevalent cyber threats that UK schools face and recommend strategies to protect themselves.

School Cyber-Security Audit & Facts

As one of the largest targets for cyber-criminals, the education sector has always hosted some worrying statistics regarding their cyber risks. Only recently the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the National Grid for Learning (LGFL) have carried out an audit that includes insights into over 800 UK schools and it shows that cyber security should stay a top priority for IT managers and Headmasters in 2023.

Some of the statistical highlights from this report have been summaries below:

• 47% of Schools have said they don't feel prepared for a cyber incident
• In 2022 six times the number of parents reported losing money to a school cyber-incident compared to 2019
• One-fifth of schools experienced a malware attack and periods without access to important information
• A quarter of schools still have no two-factor authentication (2FA), or USB limiting
• Half of the schools still don't conduct any Cyber Security Training

View the full audit HERE

Schools' Cyber-Security Landscape

Cyber threats are a risk for every business but schools face the unique challenge of managing hundreds if not thousands of students as well as their staff. Younger students have likely never had to think about cyber-security before. Without the proper safeguards, they are likely to fall victim to one of the many malicious attacks.

Being aware of the tactics cyber-criminals use to steal your valuable data makes it easier for you to identify ways you can protect your school. These threats could be any of the following:

• Phishing Attacks - Phishing attacks remain one of the most common cyber threats for schools in the UK. Attackers use emails or messages disguised as legitimate sources to trick users into providing sensitive information or clicking on a malicious link.
• Ransomware Attacks - Ransomware attacks have become more prevalent in recent years. Attackers use malware to encrypt school data, rendering it unusable unless a ransom is paid.
• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks - DDoS attacks involve overwhelming a server with traffic to disrupt its normal functioning. This can result in the server being unable to provide services to legitimate users.
• Malware Attacks - Malware is a type of software designed to harm or exploit computer systems. Malware can infect systems and steal data or cause disruption to the network.
• Password Attacks - Password attacks involve guessing or cracking passwords to gain unauthorized access to a system or network. Attackers can use this access to steal sensitive information or launch further attacks.

How to Mitigate Cyber-Risks

Addressing Cyber-risks is a daunting but mandatory task. Here at entrust IT we have over 17 years of experience working with independent schools giving us a unique insight into what solutions work best at keeping a school safe.

Below we've listed some of the most important things you can do to keep your school safe

• Staff Training - Regular cybersecurity training is critical for school staff to help them identify and avoid potential threats.
• Keep Software Updated - Schools must ensure that all software is kept up to date, as this will patch any known security vulnerabilities.
• Implement Strong Password Policies - Schools should implement strong password policies that require users to create complex passwords and change them regularly.
• Back-Up Data - Regular data backups are critical in the event of a ransomware attack. Backups should be stored offsite and tested regularly to ensure they are working.
• Implement Access Controls - Schools should implement access controls that restrict access to sensitive information to authorized users only.
• Usecure - Usecure is the one-stop solution that evaluates, educates, and calculates its way to a security-savvy school improving cyber-security hygiene for both students and staff. Usecure offers useful features such as planted phishing emails that test employees without the risk of a data breach and security awareness training.
• Bitwarden - An open-source password manager that enables companies to protect multiple accounts with robust passwords using end-to-end encryption without ever needing to remember them. This is perfect for schools that need to ensure hundreds of students all have unique yet strong passwords for multiple accounts. Learn more about bitwarden HERE.

School IT Management Made Easy

Being aware of threats and understanding potential solutions is only half the battle. Planning, implementing and maintaining these solutions is the other half. Serious schools understand the importance of IT but know that their staff's time is better spent on their core roles. Many of these schools choose to guarantee the success and security of their IT infrastructure by partnering with a trusted Managed Service Provider (MSP).

As an experienced IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) such as entrust IT, offer tailored solutions to help independent schools stay safe from cyber threats. We understand that schools have unique IT requirements and work closely with them to develop custom solutions that meet their specific needs.

Our services include cybersecurity assessments, regular vulnerability scans, staff training, and 24/7 network monitoring. Our team of experts provides ongoing support and advice to ensure that schools are always protected from the latest cyber threats.

In addition to our cybersecurity services, we also offer IT solutions that can help schools streamline their operations and improve their efficiency. We can help schools deploy and manage their IT infrastructure, provide ongoing maintenance, and support, and ensure that all systems are running smoothly.

Looking for an IT Partner With Experience?

Cyber threats are a growing concern for UK schools, and it is essential that they take steps to protect themselves. By implementing robust cybersecurity practices and working with a trusted IT Managed Service Provider, schools can safeguard their sensitive data and ensure that their academic operations are not disrupted by cyber-attacks. We have extensive experience in helping schools stay safe and are committed to providing the highest level of service and support to ensure that they can focus on their core mission of educating students.

Want to make cyber security in your school simple yet effective? Get in contact with one of our experienced consultants on 0330 002 0045 or email enquiries@entrustit.co.uk, to find out how we can handle all your school's IT needs from Cyber-Security and CCTV to networking and e-learning environments.