CYBER SECURITY
online, cybersecurity must now prioritise protecting cloud environments. Without proper security measures, such as multi-factor authentication and strict access controls, cybercriminals can easily infiltrate these systems.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also revolutionising cybercrime, making attacks more sophisticated and difficult to detect. Hackers are now using AI-driven malware to automate and refine their attacks, learning from past breaches to improve their success rate. These AI tools can launch large-scale phishing campaigns, bypass traditional security measures, and exploit vulnerabilities in a school’s digital infrastructure. To counteract this, educational institutions must leverage AI-powered security tools designed specifically for schools, such as Microsoft Security Co-Pilot and Google Gemini, which provide enhanced protection while keeping sensitive data contained within the school’s network.
entirely from the internet. Since that’s not a practical solution, cybersecurity must focus on preparedness. Schools should be equipped to detect, respond to, and recover from cyberattacks quickly, ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and learning.
Mitigating the risk: a call to action
Here’s what schools can do to help protect themselves from cyberattacks:
• Invest in cybersecurity. Prevention is always cheaper than the cost of an attack. Schools must prioritise cybersecurity funding to avoid long-term damage.
• Train staff and students. Regular training ensures that staff and students recognise phishing scams, use strong passwords, and follow best security practices.
• Implement stronger access controls. Schools should enforce Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) and role-based access to reduce the risk of unauthorised access.
• Adopt the Department of Education (DfE) Cybersecurity Standards.
Schools should align their cybersecurity policies with the DfE guidelines to enhance their security posture.
• Encourage collaboration. Schools must share cybersecurity experiences and best practices. By learning from others, institutions can avoid repeating the same mistakes.
The future of cybersecurity in education
As cybercriminals continue to evolve, schools must adapt to emerging threats. AI-driven attacks will become more sophisticated, requiring proactive, AI-assisted defence measures. Cybersecurity will no longer be just an IT issue, and it will become a fundamental part of school operations, woven into training, policies, and daily routines. All staff members will be that first line of defence.
The true cost of a cyberattack
The impact of a cyberattack on a school can be devastating, affecting not just IT systems but the entire learning environment. One of the most immediate consequences is disruption to learning. Ransomware attacks, in particular, can lock schools out of critical systems, delaying lesson plans, coursework submissions, and even administrative tasks such as payroll. If schools are unable to recover quickly, this can result in significant learning loss for students.
From a financial perspective, the damage can be immense. Schools hit by ransomware often face hefty ransom demands, which can run into thousands or even millions of pounds. Even if they choose not to pay, the cost of recovering lost data, repairing systems, and implementing stronger security measures can place serious strain on already tight budgets. Additionally, there may be regulatory fines if personal data is compromised, further exacerbating the financial burden. Cyberattacks also have a psychological impact on school staff, particularly IT departments. When a school is breached, IT teams may feel responsible, even if the attack was due to human error or an unavoidable vulnerability. This stress can lead to burnout, reduced morale, and difficulties in retaining skilled staff. Moreover, the stigma attached to a cyberattack often prevents schools from sharing their experiences, missing valuable opportunities to learn from others and improve security practices across the sector.
The reputational damage of a cyberattack can be long-lasting. Parents place their trust in schools with their own and their children’s personal data, and a breach can break down that trust. Schools may struggle with negative press coverage, loss of confidence from stakeholders, and increased scrutiny from regulators. Without transparency and a proactive approach to cybersecurity, a single breach can have long-term consequences for an institution’s reputation and credibility.
Can educational institutions ever be fully secure? Unfortunately, the short answer is no - not unless they disconnect
April 2025
www.education-today.co.uk 37
Educational institutions can’t afford to be complacent. The battle against cyber threats is ongoing, but with awareness, investment, and preparedness, schools can defend themselves against cybercrime.
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