the educator mag Jan 26 - Flipbook - Page 28
Safeguarding and Cybersecurity
in association with LGfL
Cybersecurity in Education:
Protecting Classrooms in a Digital Age
Schools today are no longer defined solely
by their buildings, timetables, or
classrooms. They are complex digital
environments. Lesson planning,
assessment, safeguarding, communication
with parents, and even behavioural
management now rely heavily on
technology. While this digital shift has
brought enormous benefits, it has also
introduced new risks. Cybersecurity is no
longer an abstract IT concern; it is a core
operational and safeguarding issue for
every school in the UK.
Recent years have shown that the education
sector is an increasingly attractive target for
cybercriminals. From ransomware attacks
that shut down entire school networks to
data breaches exposing sensitive pupil
information, the consequences are
tangible and disruptive. For educators,
understanding these risks – and their role
in reducing them – is now essential.
Why Schools Are at Risk
Schools hold large volumes of highly
sensitive information, including pupil
records, safeguarding documentation,
special educational needs data, and staff
personal details. At the same time, many
schools operate with limited IT resources
and under significant financial pressure.
This combination of valuable data and
constrained security makes schools
appealing targets.
When attacks occur, the impact extends
far beyond financial cost. Ransomware
incidents can force schools to cancel
lessons, revert to paper systems, or
temporarily close. Data breaches
can undermine parental trust and place
schools under scrutiny from regulators.
In the most serious cases, compromised
data could put vulnerable children at risk.
The Most Common Cyber Threats
Facing Educators
One of the most prevalent threats in
schools is phishing. These attacks rely on
deception rather than technical skill, often
impersonating senior leaders, local
authorities, examination boards, or IT
support teams. Emails may appear urgent,
requesting password resets or payment
approvals. A single moment of inattention
can give attackers access to accounts and
systems.
reduce risk. Cybersecurity is often about
consistency, not complexity.
Ransomware remains another major
concern. Once inside a network, attackers
encrypt files and demand payment for their
release. Even where backups exist, recovery
can take days or weeks, with significant
disruption to teaching and pastoral care.
Data breaches also remain common.
Protecting Pupil Data
Data protection is a legal responsibility,
but it is also a moral one. Educators
routinely handle information about children
that, if exposed, could result in distress or
harm. Protecting this data means collecting
only what is necessary, storing it securely,
and limiting access to those who genuinely
need it.
Personal data related to pupils, including
assessment results and health information,
is highly valuable on the criminal market.
Any loss, misuse, or unauthorised disclosure
of this data can lead to serious
consequences under the UK GDPR and
the Data Protection Act 2018.
Increasingly, schools are also seeing
incidents related to “shadow IT” – the use
of unapproved apps or online tools by staff
or pupils. While often well intentioned,
these platforms may not meet data
protection standards or may store
information insecurely.
Finally, it is important to recognise the
growing issue of insider incidents.
The Information Commissioner’s Office
has reported that a significant number of
breaches in education stem from internal
actions, including mistakes made by staff
or misuse of systems by pupils. These
incidents are rarely malicious, but their
impact can be just as severe.
Practical Cyber Hygiene in Schools
The Department for Education has outlined
clear expectations for managing cyber risk
in schools, and many of the most effective
measures rely on everyday behaviour rather
than technical expertise.
Strong, unique passwords and the use of
multifactor authentication are among the
simplest but most effective defences.
Educators should also treat unexpected
emails with caution, particularly those
requesting urgent action. When something
does not feel right, reporting it quickly can
prevent wider damage.
Device security also plays a role. Locking
screens, avoiding shared accounts, applying
updates promptly, and using only approved
platforms for storing or sharing data all help
Never using personal email accounts for
schoolwork, not leaving documents
unattended, encrypting sensitive files,
and reporting nearmisses all contribute
to a safer data environment. Importantly,
nearmisses should be seen as learning
opportunities, not failures!
Creating a Positive Cybersecurity
Culture
Technology alone cannot secure a school.
A strong cybersecurity culture is essential.
This means creating an environment where
staff and pupils feel able to report concerns,
mistakes, or suspicious activity without fear.
Phishing awareness campaigns have proven
particularly effective in education settings.
Regular, short reminders and simulated
exercises help staff recognise threats and
build confidence. Over time, this turns staff
from potential targets into an active human
firewall.
When senior leaders prioritise
cybersecurity, support training, and
follow policies themselves, it reinforces
the message that security is everyone’s
responsibility.
A Shared Responsibility
Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming,
but when senior leaders prioritise
cybersecurity, support training, and follow
policies themselves, it reinforces the
message that security is everyone’s
responsibility.
Protecting schools, safeguarding pupils,
and maintaining trust in education
depends on collective effort. In a digital
age, cybersecurity is not an optional extra –
it is part of what it means to be an educator.
Gareth Jelley is the Cybersecurity Lead
at LGfL – the National Grid for Learning.
See how LGfL can support you with all
your school or trust’s cybersecurity
Safeguarding and Cybersecurity
in association with LGfL
