As digital technology continues to make new waves in education, schools and academies are embracing cloud-based systems for everything from student records to lesson planning. This shift brings many benefits for educators – including increased convenience, scalability, and cost savings. But alongside these advantages, cloud technology also introduces security risks that schools cannot afford to ignore.
The Rise of Cyber Threats Against Schools
Schools hold vast amounts of valuable data, including sensitive student and staff information, which makes them prime targets for cyber attacks. As schools increasingly adopt cloud-based systems to store and manage this data, they become exposed to new security challenges that must be carefully addressed to protect against potential threats.
In the UK, there has been a rise in cyber threats targeting schools, with attackers exploiting vulnerabilities in networks and systems to access critical information. The 2024 Cyber Security Breaches Survey shows that 52% of primary schools, 71% of secondary schools, and 86% of further education colleges identified a breach or attack in the last year.
Without strong security measures in place, schools risk exposing confidential records, which can lead to financial loss and reputational damage. So what can we do to keep our schools protected?
Cyber Security Solutions for Your School
Cloud security can help to ensure that such valuable data is protected from unauthorised access, data breaches, and cyberattacks. However, a strong cybersecurity strategy requires multiple layers of protection:
- Data Encryption
One key aspect of cloud security is data encryption. Services like Microsoft 365 use encryption to protect files and communications, ensuring that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable to unauthorised users. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of protection by requiring additional verification, such as a mobile authentication code, which makes it harder for hackers to gain access to accounts.
- Endpoint Security
Another crucial component is endpoint security. Schools rely on cloud-connected devices like laptops, tablets, and touchscreens, which can become entry points for cyber threats. Solutions such as Sophos Endpoint Protection help prevent malware and phishing attacks, ensuring that educational devices remain secure.
- Monitoring Tools
Cloud security also involves regular monitoring and threat detection. Platforms like AWS and Azure provide built-in security tools that continuously scan for suspicious activities, alerting administrators to potential risks before they escalate. These proactive measures allow schools to respond swiftly to security incidents, minimising disruption to learning.
- Secure Cloud Backup
Additionally, secure cloud backup services such as Veeam or Cove ensure that critical data is not lost due to ransomware attacks or accidental deletions. Regular backups allow schools to quickly recover their systems, avoiding long disruptions and the loss of essential academic materials.
Digital technology opens up new exciting opportunities to enhance teaching and learning. But these opportunities come with the responsibility to safeguard sensitive data and ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff.
Prioritising cloud security is no longer optional – it is essential. With robust security and reliable cloud services, schools and academies can protect their digital infrastructure, enabling educators to fully embrace the benefits of digital technology.
One Education is here to support your cloud security needs. Get in touch to find out how we can help.
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