Managing cyber security in schools
Cyber attacks are an increasing risk for schools, trusts and settings. A successful attack can disrupt teaching and learning, affect safeguarding arrangements, compromise access to critical pupil information, and significantly impact operational continuity.
While schools should take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of a cyber incident, it is equally important to plan for how the organisation would continue to operate if key systems became unavailable. Schools should assume that, during a significant cyber incident, access to email, management information systems (MIS), safeguarding software, cloud storage, communication platforms and other business-critical systems may be unavailable for several days.
The Department for Education (DfE) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provide clear guidance on preventative measures that schools should implement. However, strong cyber security controls alone cannot eliminate risk entirely. Effective governance requires both prevention and preparedness.
Cyber security standards and guidance
Schools, trusts and settings should ensure they are working towards the DfE Cyber Security Standards and following current NCSC guidance.
External links
HFL guidance and templates
To support schools in planning for and responding to significant cyber incidents, HFL has developed a suite of practical resources.
Planning for a cyber incident
The question for school leaders is not simply "How do we prevent a cyber attack?" but also "How would we operate if one happened tomorrow?" This document prompts leaders to consider the key data and information they need to store securely offline.
Cyber Incident Response Plan template
A practical incident response template designed to support schools in:
- containing and responding to a cyber incident
- identifying key roles and responsibilities
- recording actions taken
- managing communications
- restoring services safely
- conducting post-incident reviews
Dynamic Cyber Incident Risk Assessment template
A structured and repeatable risk assessment tool designed to support decision-making during an incident.
The assessment can be reviewed hourly or daily as circumstances change and provides evidence to support decisions about whether a school remains open, partially opens or closes temporarily.
Support from HFL Education
Cyber security is a rapidly evolving area of risk, and schools do not need to navigate it alone.
HFL's Technology in Schools team can support schools and trusts with:
- cyber security reviews
- cyber security standards assessments
- cyber resilience planning
- incident preparedness
- strategic advice and guidance
- staff awareness and training
For further information about cyber security services and support, visit:
HFL Education.org: Cyber security for schools
Further information
Schools should ensure that cyber security forms part of their wider risk management, business continuity and safeguarding planning arrangements. The most effective organisations combine preventative controls with well-developed response plans, ensuring they can continue to operate safely and effectively should a cyber incident occur.