Cybersecurity for Independent Schools: Where to Begin?

In a world where education and technology are deeply intertwined, independent schools are emerging as prime targets for cybercrime. Yet many remain underprepared. So where should they begin?

In this article, we explore the cybersecurity challenges faced by UK independent schools and lay out a practical path to protection, compliance, and confidence. Whether you're a headteacher, bursar, or IT lead — this guide is for you.

The State of Cyber Threats in Education

Independent schools today handle enormous volumes of personal, financial, and academic data — and cybercriminals know it.

According to the 2024 UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey:

· 63% of UK independent schools reported a cyber-attack in the last 12 months, with phishing and ransomware leading the list of incidents.

· Over 70% of secondary schools were targeted by phishing, malware, or denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. In many cases, multiple attacks occurred throughout the school year.

· Just 51% of secondary schools and only 20% of primary schools are aware of Cyber Essentials — the government-backed security certification for organisations.

Source: GOV.UK

“We’re seeing schools with high-value data and low-level defences. That’s a dangerous combination,” says Jai Aenugu, CEO of TechForce Cyber. “Cyber Essentials isn’t just about compliance — it’s your minimum viable defence.”

Why Schools Are Easy Targets

Despite their academic rigour, many independent schools remain digitally vulnerable. The reasons?

1. Limited Cybersecurity Resources
Most schools don’t have a dedicated cybersecurity officer or team. IT support is often minimal, with overworked staff juggling multiple roles. As a result, key security tasks such as patching, backup reviews, or audit trails are overlooked or delayed.

2. Ageing Systems and Infrastructure
Many schools still rely on unsupported operating systems or outdated devices. Shared login credentials, lack of encryption, and missing endpoint protection leave them highly exposed.

3. Lack of Awareness and Training
The human factor is consistently the weakest link in cybersecurity. Without regular and tailored training, staff and pupils are likely to fall victim to phishing attempts, social engineering scams, or poor password hygiene.

4. False Sense of Security
There’s a prevailing belief that “we’re too small” or “not interesting enough” to be targeted. But automated attacks don’t discriminate. If there’s an open port or weak firewall, attackers will exploit it.

Enter Cyber Essentials: The Starting Point

Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed scheme designed to protect organisations from 80% of the most common cyber threats. It’s cost-effective, straightforward, and scalable to the needs of smaller institutions like schools.

“We’ve helped schools secure certification in as little as 2 weeks,” adds Aenugu. “The five core controls give you structure, clarity, and confidence — and they work.”

The Five Technical Controls:

1. Firewalls and Internet Gateways
A correctly configured firewall acts as a gatekeeper between the school’s internal network and the external world, blocking unauthorised traffic and malicious access attempts. This is essential for protecting student data and remote learning tools.

2. Secure Configuration of Systems
Ensuring that systems are set up with security in mind — for example, disabling unnecessary functions, removing bloatware, and limiting access privileges — can significantly reduce potential attack vectors.

3. Access Control and Privilege Management
Limiting access to sensitive information and systems to only those who need it minimises the chance of misuse or compromise. This includes using unique staff logins, enforcing strong password policies, and removing old or unused accounts.

4. Malware Protection and Endpoint Security
Devices such as staff laptops, desktops, or tablets used by pupils should be equipped with reputable anti-virus and anti-malware software. Regular scanning and real-time protection drastically reduce infection risks.

5. Patch Management and Software Updates
Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Ensuring that systems are patched regularly — ideally through automated tools — is one of the most effective ways to maintain cyber hygiene.

Practical Steps to Strengthen Your School’s Cyber Resilience

Step 1: Conduct a Full Security Audit
Begin by reviewing your IT infrastructure, policies, and access points. Identify any gaps in hardware, software, or user behaviour that might be introducing unnecessary risk. Include mobile devices, printers, cloud-based systems, and even physical security in your review.

Step 2: Apply for Cyber Essentials Certification
Start with the self-assessment level to benchmark your current status. For higher-risk schools or those handling sensitive data, consider upgrading to Cyber Essentials Plus, which involves an external audit and vulnerability scanning.

Step 3: Run Awareness Training for All Users
Host termly sessions for staff and students to cover phishing red flags, secure browsing habits, and password best practices. Gamified tools or phishing simulations can make training more engaging and impactful.

Step 4: Create and Regularly Test an Incident Response Plan
A documented playbook ensures you know exactly what to do — and who to call — in the event of a cyber incident. Run tabletop exercises at least twice a year to stress-test your plan.

Step 5: Appoint or Upskill a Designated Cyber Lead
Every school should have a named individual responsible for cybersecurity. Whether part-time or an additional role, they act as the first line of escalation, ensuring continuity and governance.

Step 6: Engage with a Trusted Cybersecurity Partner
Partner with an organisation that understands the education sector and can tailor support accordingly. From penetration testing to awareness training and certification guidance — external experts provide peace of mind and reduce internal pressure.

Case Example: How Certification Helped a Scottish Independent School

In early 2023, TechForce Cyber partnered with an independent school in Aberdeenshire. Their infrastructure included legacy Windows Server 2012, no enforced multi-factor authentication, and shared admin credentials across multiple systems.

Following a complete audit, we implemented Cyber Essentials Plus in three weeks, introduced device-level protections, and deployed an incident response plan. Outcomes included:

· Passed two HMI inspections with cybersecurity highlighted as a strength

· Introduced termly phishing simulations with a 40% reduction in risky click behaviour

· Integrated cyber awareness training into Year 10 ICT curriculum

· Reduced insurance premiums due to risk mitigation efforts

Final Thoughts from TechForce Cyber

“Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complex or expensive,” says Aenugu. “It’s about consistency, awareness, and having the right foundations in place. Cyber Essentials gives you that starting point — and we’re here to make it easy.”

At a time when online threats are rising and digital education is accelerating, independent schools must view cybersecurity not as a one-off project, but a core part of safeguarding their communities.

Ready to Take the First Step?