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Edtech charity LGfL is highlighting the need for more cyber security training in schools, following the publication of its Cyber Security Schools Audit.
Working in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ, 430 schools across the UK were surveyed to gain a better understanding of future technology and training needs within the education sector.
The report revealed that only 35% of schools train non-IT staff in cyber security. In light of the fact that 83% of schools have experienced at least one cyber security incident, schools should take this revelation seriously to meet the challenge of a growing and increasingly sophisticated threat landscape
The research also found that nearly all schools (97%) said that losing access to network-connected IT services would cause considerable disruption, and less than half of schools (49%) were confident that they were adequately prepared in the event of a cyber-attack.
With regards to training, the report revealed that 92% of schools would welcome more cyber security awareness training for staff.
Commenting on the results Mark Bentley, safeguarding and cyber security manager at LGfL DigiSafe, said: “The Cyber Security Audit provides an invaluable insight into current protection available in schools and the realities of online threats. With ever-increasing accountability, squeezed budgets and a demanding curriculum, cyber security preparedness can sometimes fall to the bottom of the school agenda. It’s vitally important that schools offer cyber security training to their staff and have basic technical protections in place.”
Sarah Lyons, deputy director for economy and society at the NCSC, added: “Schools should seek access to the right types of information to help them protect their networks against the cyber threats they face. We work closely with the education sector to raise cyber security awareness across schools, whilst signposting clear actionable advice to help schools mitigate against common cyber incidents. It’s never been more important for schools to be aware of the cyber risks and know that free resources are available to help them prepare and respond to a cyber incident.”
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