As the school year draws to a close, many educational institutions are gearing up to enjoy a well deserved break from the bustling school year. And whilst teachers and students alike are preparing for 6 weeks away from the classroom, cybercriminals will be seizing this opportunity to unleash their malicious intentions whilst the classrooms are empty.
With school networks left momentarily unguarded and cybersecurity defences potentially relaxed, this proves a prime time for hackers to step up their game, seeking to infiltrate, disrupt, and compromise.
The growing cybersecurity threat to education
There are an alarming number of cyberattacks within the education sector. In the UK, 50% of higher education institutions and 31% of further education colleges reported experiencing breaches or attacks at least weekly (GOV). 61% of higher education institutions reported experiencing a negative outcome, such as a loss of money or data from breaches or attacks (NCSC).
These statistics are not only highly concerning, but underscore the urgent need for educators to remain informed and proactive in their cybersecurity efforts.
At ADNS Group, we’re here to help you secure your defences, not just for the summer holiday, but all year round. By collaborating with a leading cybersecurity provider that specialises in the education sector, you can ensure a secure digital environment and be fully equipped with the knowledge and tools to combat cybercrime.
Start taking action now!
By recognising the heightened risk and taking proactive steps to bolster cybersecurity defences, schools can minimise the likelihood of successful cyberattacks.
Maintain vigilance: Taking extra security precautions before the end of the school year is essential. Encourage staff members to exercise caution, avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments, and promptly report any unusual activities.
Educate staff and students: Cybersecurity education plays a vital role in fostering a security-conscious culture within educational institutions. Conduct regular training sessions for staff, students, and parents to raise awareness about common cyber threats, such as phishing attacks and social engineering scams. Encourage reporting of suspicious emails, websites, or any potential security incidents
Establish response procedures: Create a clear plan for responding to cyber incidents during the summer break, and identify staff members responsible for monitoring the school networks activity. It is also vital to choose an IT provider that can offer support during the holiday period in the event of an attack.
Reporting incidents: In the event of a cyber incident, prompt reporting is essential. Educators should be aware of the appropriate channels for reporting cyber incidents, for more information on how to report an incident, visit the National Cyber Security Centre website.
Choose ADNS as your trusted cybersecurity partner
By acknowledging the heightened risks during this period, implementing resilient cybersecurity defences, and fostering a culture of cyber resilience, schools can significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of cyberattacks.
ADNS specialise in the education sector, and can work closely with you to assist in developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy tailored to your institution’s unique needs.
Secure your school's digital fortress, fortify your defences and establish a robust cybersecurity strategy by scheduling a consultation with ADNS Group today!
Remember, prevention is key. Taking proactive steps now can make all the difference in ensuring a secure and relaxing summer break. Cybercriminals never take a break, so neither should your commitment to cybersecurity.
