In this article, Gary Henderson highlights the vital role of cybersecurity in schools, focusing on practical strategies, effective risk management and the necessity of cultivating a cyber-aware culture
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is essential for schools to protect sensitive data, prevent identity theft and comply with legal requirements. And this is a world where we are increasingly using technology in our schools and in our everyday lives, thereby exposing us to increasing levels of cyber risk.
Keeping Children Safe in Education, a key piece of statutory guidance for schools, mentions the need for schools to have “an appropriate level of security protection procedures in place in order to safeguard their systems, staff and learners”.
As such, robust cybersecurity measures are essential and ensure the continuity of educational services and minimising downtime during a cyber incident
How Can Schools Protect Themselves?
First and foremost, schools must focus on fundamental cybersecurity practices. Regularly patching and updating software is crucial to protect against vulnerabilities. I often take a “better than yesterday” approach here, meaning if you…