{"id":1127,"date":"2026-05-14T15:14:55","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T13:14:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cloudtango.net\/blog\/?p=1127"},"modified":"2026-05-14T15:14:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T13:14:56","slug":"cybersecurity-in-schools-why-is-it-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cloudtango.net\/blog\/2026\/05\/14\/cybersecurity-in-schools-why-is-it-important\/","title":{"rendered":"Cybersecurity in schools \u2013 why is it important?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cybercriminals don\u2019t play favourites. No matter the sector or industry, cyberattacks are always a potential and dangerous threat.<\/p>\n

Schools are no exception.<\/p>\n

60% of secondary schools and 44% of primary schools in the UK experienced a cyberattack in 2025,<\/a>\u00a0making the education sector one of the most targeted sectors.<\/p>\n

This guide focuses on understanding just how important cybersecurity is in schools, the mistakes schools make, and how schools can improve their cybersecurity.<\/p>\n

Why is cybersecurity important in schools?<\/h2>\n

Cybersecurity is an important part of any business, company, or organisation. If you\u2019re holding sensitive data of any kind, you\u2019re a target.<\/p>\n

Schools hold a vast amount of data on students, parents, and staff, and it needs to be securely protected. A breach or exposure of this data could cause significant problems.<\/p>\n

Common mistakes schools make with cybersecurity<\/p>\n

Schools are prone to making a number of cybersecurity mistakes, often unaware of their impact. These include:<\/p>\n

Lack of MFA and 2FA<\/h3>\n

On desktops, laptops, and mobile devices that access sensitive data, it\u2019s important to use multi-factor authentication (MFA) or\u00a0two-factor authentication (2FA).<\/p>\n

These simple security measures add an extra layer of protection to your accounts.<\/p>\n

\u201cSet and forget\u201d<\/h3>\n

A very easy mistake that most schools make is installing a firewall and doing nothing to follow up on it.<\/p>\n

Most firewalls and\u00a0cybersecurity solutions\u00a0need to be updated and monitored regularly to ensure they\u2019re working properly. One slip-up can lead to a breach.<\/p>\n

Legal responsibilities<\/h3>\n

Schools need to be aware of their legal responsibilities.<\/p>\n

The data they hold is sensitive, so to legally retain it, they need to prove they are not in breach of GDPR. Full\u00a0cybersecurity compliance\u00a0is the only way to ensure you\u2019re doing everything you can to protect your data.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/strong>:\u00a0Handling IT in a school \u2013 what you need to know<\/a><\/p>\n

What risks are associated with these mistakes?<\/h3>\n

These mistakes can lead to a number of risks that affect your\u00a0school\u2019s day-to-day IT operations, finances, and reputation, such as:<\/p>\n

Operational risks<\/h3>\n

A data breach or cyberattack can lead to a complete blackout of the school\u2019s systems, disrupting its operations. A total blackout leads to no registers, no emails, and no access to any of the school\u2019s systems.<\/p>\n

Financial risks<\/h3>\n

A school\u2019s finances can be affected in many ways by a cyberattack.<\/p>\n

A cybercriminal can hold the school\u2019s data for ransom, or, if the school didn\u2019t uphold proper cybersecurity compliance in the first place, the school could be held liable for the breach, resulting in a hefty fine.<\/p>\n

Reputational damage<\/h3>\n

A data breach or cyberattack can lead to reputational damage.<\/p>\n

Parents, students, staff, and the wider community could lose trust in the school for failing to protect their data.<\/p>\n

How can schools improve their cybersecurity?<\/h2>\n

Improving resilience starts with a\u00a0cybersecurity audit\u00a0to identify specific vulnerabilities. Once a baseline is established, schools should focus on these key pillars:<\/p>\n