Survey reveals impact of cyber security

Ofqual is reminding schools and colleges of the importance of cyber security after a poll highlighted the risks associated with poor cyber hygiene.

The poll, which surveyed teachers across England, also found that:

• 34% of schools and colleges in England experienced a cyber incident during the last academic year
• Most commonly, 23% of schools and colleges in England experienced a cyber security incident due to a phishing attack
• The north-west was hit hardest, with 40% of schools which responded having had a cyber incident, compared with 28% in the east of England
• 20% could not recover immediately, with 4% taking more than half a term to recover
• 9% of headteachers said the attack was critically damaging
• 1 in 3 teachers have not had cyber security training this year — of the two-thirds who have had training, 66% said it was useful.

For practical tips designed for schools on how to defend against cyber-attacks, visit the National Cyber Security Centre school resources page.

Do you fully understand the nature of risk management,  the process of identifying, assessing and controlling financial, legal, strategic and security risks? Come to the DAG Conference on 16^th November at Exeter Racecourse to hear from Alastair Campbell, Head of Risk Assurance and Internal Audit at  Bishop Fleming. Alastair is a contributor to Academy trust financial management good practice guides, and has worked with education providers throughout the South West to help them minimise risks and achieve their aims. For further details and registration please visit the DAG website www.dagdevon.uk.