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Cyber Security and Protection
Since it's creation in 1990 the internet has revolutionised the way in which schools, academies, colleges and universities operate, however this revolution has also brought with it many security threats and risks that schools need to protect against.
Just as the internet has evolved, so has criminal activity and security threats. Viruses have become very sophisticated and are still very much in circulation throughout the internet, and within email attachments.
And lets not forget about the more aggressive, and in some case innovative malware, which is specifically designed to cause damage, or gain authosied access to computer systems and education networks.
Then there's computer and network hacking along with many other forms of cybercrime. It is a massive challenge for schools to ensure their own data, pupil / staff data and other information is kept safe, and further more schools have strict safeguarding and data protection regulations (GDPR) to abide by, or they could face substantial fines or could potentially be in breach of OFSTED guidelines.
At Soltech IT we work with our schools to produce security heat maps with a full assessment of policies, procedures, people and technology.
The security heat map will identify issues and/or vulnerabilities. It will determine what is needed to resolve these issues and how best to protect a school.
DfE Cyber Security Standards
DfE Cyber Security Standards for Schools
Schools should actively manage cyber risks through strategy, oversight and regular assessment.
Cyber security is a fundamental requirement for all schools and colleges, with clear expectations set out in the Department for Education’s (DfE) digital and technology standards. The risk of disruption, data loss and safeguarding breaches resulting from cyber incidents continues to increase and remains a risk. Schools must therefore demonstrate robust technical controls, strong leadership oversight, clear risk management processes and carryout regular termly reviews.
A cyber risk assessment must be completed annually and reviewed every term. This assessment should identify where sensitive data is held, how systems are accessed, and the risks arising from teacher and staff behaviour, device usage and third-party suppliers. Findings must be recorded in a live risk register and fed into the school or colleges wider digital strategy and business continuity planning.
Effective cyber risk management requires collaboration across each school, MAT or college. IT support teams, safeguarding leads, data protection officers, school business professionals and senior leaders all have a role to play. Overall accountability sits with the SLT digital lead, who is responsible for coordinating the assessment process and ensuring agreed actions are implemented. Where IT services are outsourced, schools must ensure providers meet these standards and can evidence their own cyber resilience, i.e Cyber Essentials Certified.
Speak to Soltech IT about your schools Cyber Security needs
Our IT Consultants and Account Managers are always happy to help
Meet the team
Maxwell Stewart
Senior IT Helpdesk Technician
Max is a highly qualified and experienced IT Technician who has previously worked for leading IT support organisations with a background in both the corporate and education sectors.

Max's skillsets include Windows Server, SharePoint, Azure, Intune and Apple iOS, to mention a few..
