Explore how GDPRiS will help you meet the DfE Cyber Security Standards for Schools and Colleges
Understanding the importance of cyber security in education
Schools and colleges handle a vast amount of sensitive data, ranging from student information to financial records. This makes them a prime target for cyber attacks. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) cyber security breaches survey 2024revealed that:
- 71% of secondary schools reported experiencing a breach or cyber attack
- 52% of primary schools reported cyber attacks
- 92% of primary schools and 89% of secondary schools identified phishing as the most common form of cyber attack
The survey also uncovered some concerning trends in terms of incident documentation and investigation in secondary schools compared to the 2023:
- Secondary schools were less likely to keep internal records of incidents (78% in 2024 vs. 90% in 2023)
- Secondary schools were less likely to attempt to identify the source of incidents (63% in 2024 vs. 81% in 2023)
Cyber security is important in schools; it helps you protect sensitive data from unauthorised access, theft, or misuse. It ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, safeguarding your school’s reputation and the well-being of students and staff.
Challenges faced by schools and colleges in implementing cyber security measures
Schools and colleges face various challenges when it comes to implementing effective cyber security measures.
- Limited resources and budgets: Many education settings have limited resources and financial constraints, making it challenging to allocate sufficient funds for cyber security initiatives. The DSIT survey identified that primary schools consistently show less sophisticated approaches to cybersecurity compared to secondary schools.
- Lack of expertise: Schools and colleges may not have dedicated cyber security teams or personnel with specialised knowledge in this field. This lack of expertise can hinder the implementation of robust security measures. According to the DSIT survey, primary and secondary schools are less likely than further education colleges and higher education institutions to seek additional guidance on cyber security.
- Rapidly evolving threat landscape: Cyber threats are constantly evolving, with new attack techniques and vulnerabilities emerging regularly. Keeping up with the latest threats and implementing appropriate counter measures can be a daunting task for schools.
- Complex IT infrastructure: Education settings often have complex IT infrastructures, including multiple systems, networks, and devices. Securing this diverse ecosystem and meeting the cyber security standards can be complex and time-consuming.
- Lack of awareness: Some schools and colleges may not fully understand the importance of cyber security or the potential risks associated with inadequate protection. This lack of awareness can lead to complacency and increase your vulnerability to cyber attacks.
Supporting schools to meet the DfE Cyber Security Standards
Meeting the Department for Education’s Cyber Security Standards isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about building resilience, protecting sensitive data, and creating a culture of security across your school or Trust.
GDPRiS helps schools do just that. From risk assessments to incident management, the platform provides practical tools and guidance that make compliance achievable, even in resource-constrained environments.
Here’s how GDPRiS supports schools in aligning with the standards:
- Risk assessment & management
Identify vulnerabilities, prioritise remediation, and take proactive steps to reduce risk across your digital estate.
- Incident reporting & breach management
Log and manage cyber incidents with clear workflows and compliance-ready reporting, ensuring swift, structured responses when it matters most.
- Staff training & awareness
Equip your team with the knowledge to spot threats and respond confidently. GDPRiS offers tailored modules that embed cyber awareness into everyday practice.
- Ongoing compliance monitoring
With continuous monitoring via Attack Surface Management, schools gain real-time visibility into their cyber posture—helping them stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain alignment with DfE expectations.
Together, these tools simplify the journey to compliance and empower schools to protect their data, reputation, and community. Because when cyber security is embedded, not bolted on, it becomes a shared responsibility and a strategic strength.
Data security you can trust, compliance you can prove
Choose GDPRiS to simplify your GDPR compliance journey, strengthen data security, and safeguard your school’s reputation.
