Fortifying the Digital Gates: 5 Best Practices to Protect Your School from Cybersecurity Threats

Cybersecurity has become a critical concern for organisations across all sectors, with international and independent schools being no exception. Over the past few years, schools have become increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals. With a wealth of sensitive data accumulated throughout the admissions process and beyond, ranging from student records to financial information, international and independent schools are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats, making it imperative for them to adopt robust cybersecurity measures.

The Growing Threat to Schools

Cyberattacks on schools have surged in recent years, with hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in school networks, email systems, and databases. In 2023, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) reported 347 cyber incidents in the education and childcare sector, representing a 55% increase from the previous year (Source: Information Commissioner’s Office). International and independent schools, often perceived as having significant financial resources, are prime targets for these attacks. The motives behind these breaches vary, from stealing personal data for identity theft to demanding ransom in exchange for not leaking sensitive information.

One recent example involved a school’s admissions email address being compromised. As one anonymous school administrator shared:

“During the summer term, we were alerted by one of our international agents about an unusual email sent from our Admissions Team’s email address. It was discovered that our “admissions@…” email had been the target of a cybersecurity attack. We immediately reached out to OpenApply, concerned about a potential impact on the entire system. The team at OpenApply responded promptly, quickly investigating and confirming that there was no breach of our OpenApply system.”

This incident underscores the importance of having a trusted partner and robust cybersecurity measures in place to respond to such threats.

Best Practices to Minimise Cybersecurity Risks

To protect against the increasing threat of cyberattacks, schools must implement comprehensive security strategies. Here are some best practices to consider:

1. Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): One of the most effective ways to secure accounts is by requiring multiple forms of verification. 2FA adds an additional layer of security beyond just a password, making it significantly harder for unauthorised users to gain access.
2. Regular Security Audits: Conducting regular security audits helps identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. These audits should include a thorough review of all systems, networks, and data storage solutions.
3. Educate Staff and Students: Human error is often the weakest link in cybersecurity. Regular training sessions on phishing, password security, and safe browsing habits can significantly reduce the risk of a breach.
4. Backup Data Frequently: In the event of a ransomware attack, having up-to-date backups can save a school from significant data loss. Ensure that backups are stored securely and are not connected to the primary network.
5. Develop an Incident Response Plan: Schools should have a clear, well-documented plan in place for responding to cybersecurity incidents. This plan should include steps for containing the breach, notifying affected parties, and restoring normal operations.

Responding to a Cybersecurity Incident

Beyond having robust defences in place, systems can be effectively protected through prompt and decisive action when a cybersecurity incident arises. Here’s how schools can manage the situation:

• Isolate the Threat: Immediately disconnect any affected systems from the network to prevent the spread of malware or further unauthorised access.
• Contact Your EdTech Provider(s): Connect the relevant cybersecurity experts at your provider, putting them in touch with your in-house IT team to assess the scope of the breach and begin the investigation.
• Communicate Transparently: Inform all relevant stakeholders, including staff, students, and parents, about the breach and the steps being taken to address it.
• Conduct a Post-Incident Review: After resolving the issue, conduct a thorough review to understand how the breach occurred and what can be done to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In conclusion, while the threat landscape continues to evolve, adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity can help international and independent schools to protect their data and maintain the trust of their communities. To learn more about how your school can further strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure with OpenApply, schedule a free demonstration with a member of the team:

Book Free Demo