Vanessa Clarke, Senior education reporter for the BBC, reported on 29 July 2026 that hackers have obtained about 607,000 records in a cyber-attack on the Department for Education (DfE) in England. The data taken includes telephone numbers and email addresses relating to individuals and organisations but does not include bank details or other sensitive information. … Continue reading Cyber-attack on Department for Education
Tag: Cyber security
Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges
Published in 2022, the DfE has issued an update to it's guidance "Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges". Derbyshire County Council's schools Cyber Security team have posted a useful summary of the changes, highlighting what schools need to know and do. You can find it herehttps://services.derbyshire.gov.uk/Article/189895
Fraud awareness: good practice for education and training providers
The DfE has published guidance on fraud covering: general advice on fraud; suggestions for developing counter fraud policies and approaches; information on cyber related fraud You can download it here.
Security Checklist
Derbyshire's Education Data Hub has produced a security checklist infographic. You can download it here.
‘PDNS for Schools’ cyber security service
‘PDNS for Schools’ is a cyber security service, developed by the NCSC, that’s designed to protect schools from a variety of online threats. NCSC is offering ‘PDNS for Schools’ free of charge to a wider range of organisations. This will mean more schools – regardless of their resources – can now benefit from enhanced cyber … Continue reading ‘PDNS for Schools’ cyber security service
The current state of online safety in schools across England
The latest 360 Degree Safe report on online safety in English schools from the UK Safer Internet Centre reveals a surprising and concerning slowdown in progress. Schools are struggling to keep up with the rapidly evolving demands of online safety, underscoring the need for renewed focus and investment in this critical area. Key findings: Stagnation … Continue reading The current state of online safety in schools across England
Ofqual poll highlights value of cyber security training in schools
Ofqual is reminding schools and colleges of the importance of cyber security after a poll highlighted the risks associated with poor cyber hygiene. Findings include: 34% of schools and colleges in England experienced a cyber incident during the last academic year; the north-west was hit hardest, with 40% of schools which responded having had a … Continue reading Ofqual poll highlights value of cyber security training in schools
Infant school hit by cyber attack
We are all aware that onine security is a major convern, and that cyber threats are always out there. A recent cyber attack at an Essex infant school, reported here by the BBC, highlights the issue, demonstrating that it is very real, and that all schools need to have appropriate security in place.
Why Schools Shouldn’t Share Security Information Online
This article by Derbyshire County Council's Education Data Hub explains why schools should not post information such as their Critical Incident Plans or IT Disaster Recovery Plans on their websites. You can read it here, and there are links to more details information about what you should publish online.
Data security incident trends
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has published a Data Security Incidents Dashboard where you can view various information on data security issues and breaches, including a screen that shows trends for the education sector. There has been a 55% increase in cyber security incidents reported in the education and childcare sector since 2022. The dashboard … Continue reading Data security incident trends
Schools offered free cyber defence tools to help keep out attackers
UK education settings can sign up for the NCSC's Web Check and Mail Check services to protect their websites and email servers from cyber attacks. SCHOOLS can now benefit from free cyber defence tools from the nation’s leading experts to help them protect their emails and websites from online attackers. Find out more here,
Cyber security is vital
We need to continue to be vigilant and maintain appropriate systems in our schools to ensure that they are secure from cbyer threats. The DfE has issued a number of standards that schools need to meet. The issue is taken seriously by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) as exemplified by this recent reprrimand issued to … Continue reading Cyber security is vital
The Cyber Ready Project
Cyber Ready is a flagship two-year project targeted at improving cyber resilience in all Derbyshire our schools. The project started in Sept 2022 and will conclude in July 2024. Derbyshire County Council is currently the only Local Authority offering dedicated, and fully funded support to its maintained schools, with the aim of helping schools meet the … Continue reading The Cyber Ready Project