Cyber Security for Schools and Universities

The education sector in the UK is facing an increasing array of cyber threats. Schools, colleges, and universities hold a wealth of sensitive data, including personal student records, financial details, and intellectual property. With the growing reliance on digital platforms and online learning, the attack surface for cyber threats has expanded significantly. Effective cyber security for schools and universities is more essential than ever. This blog explores the current state of cyber threats in the education sector, attack methods and defence strategies that can be implemented.

The Escalating Cyber Threat Landscape in the Education Sector.

The 2024 Cyber Security Breaches Survey provides a detailed analysis of the cyber threats confronting educational institutions across the UK. Alarmingly, 52% of primary schools, 71% of secondary schools, and 86% of higher education institutions reported identified a breach or attack in 2023. Two school trusts in the East Midlands experienced a ransom attack earlier this year that led to all their systems being taken offline and over the May half term Billericay School in experienced a significant incident where children’s addresses were leaked.

Educational institutions are particularly vulnerable for several reasons:

• Data Sensitivity: The vast amounts of sensitive data held by schools and universities make them prime targets.
• Budget Constraints: Many educational institutions operate under tight budgets, limiting their ability to invest in comprehensive cyber security measures. This financial limitation often leaves them exposed to cyber threats.
• Complex Networks: Those who manage complex IT networks that include a wide array of devices and systems have the challenge of making them secure.

How Schools are Attacked.

Cybercriminals employ various methods to target educational institutions, with phishing, ransomware, and data breaches being among the most common.

Phishing Attacks.

Phishing is one of the most widespread cyber threats in the education sector. In phishing attacks, cybercriminals send fraudulent emails that appear to be from legitimate sources. These emails often contain links to malicious websites or attachments that, when opened, install malware on the victim’s device.

Phishing attacks can result in unauthorised access to sensitive information, including login credentials and financial data. In some cases, phishing attacks have led to entire school networks being compromised, causing significant disruption to educational services.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Email Filtering: Advanced email filtering systems can block phishing emails before they reach users. These systems can detect and filter out emails containing suspicious links or attachments.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enforcing MFA across all accounts adds an extra layer of security. It makes it more difficult for attackers to gain access even if credentials are compromised.
• Phishing Awareness Training: Regular training for staff and students on recognising phishing attempts is crucial. Simulations can reinforce this training by allowing users to practise identifying and responding to phishing attempts in a controlled environment.

Ransomware Attacks.

Ransomware attacks involve the encryption of an institution’s data by cybercriminals. They then demand a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. These attacks have become increasingly common in the education sector, with several high-profile cases reported in recent years.

Ransomware attacks can have devastating consequences, including the loss of access to critical data and disruption of services.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Regular Data Backups: Regularly backing up data is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the impact of a ransomware attack. Backups should be stored securely, preferably offline, to prevent them from being targeted by attackers.
• Network Segmentation: Segregating critical systems and data from the rest of the network can limit the spread of ransomware. This makes it more difficult for attackers to move laterally within the network.
• SIEM and SOC Tools: Implementing Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) combined with Managed Security Operations Centre (SOC) services enhances the detection and response capabilities against ransomware. These tools provide real-time monitoring, analysis, and incident response, helping to identify and isolate threats before they cause extensive damage.

Data Breaches.

Data breaches involve unauthorised access to sensitive information, such as student records, financial details, and intellectual property. These breaches can occur due to various factors, including weak passwords, unpatched software vulnerabilities, or insider threats.

Data breaches can result in the exposure of sensitive information, leading to identity theft, financial fraud, and significant reputational damage. In some cases, data breaches have also led to legal and regulatory consequences.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data, both at rest and in transit, ensures that even if data is stolen, it cannot be easily accessed by unauthorised individuals.
• Access Controls: Implementing strict access controls, such as role-based access, ensures that only authorised individuals can access sensitive data. This reduces the risk of insider threats and limits the impact of a breach.
• Regular Software Updates: Keeping software and systems up to date with the latest security patches is critical in preventing data breaches. Unpatched vulnerabilities are a common entry point for attackers.

Achieving Good Cyber Security for Schools and Universities.

Good cyber security for schools and university requires a multi-faceted approach that takes into account people, processes and technologies. Below is an expanded and detailed guide on the key measures that can be taken:

1. Regular Risk Assessments and Audits.

Regularly conducting thorough risk assessments is essential for a strong cybersecurity posture. These assessments must actively identify and address both current and emerging threats across the institution’s digital environments.

Practical steps

• Comprehensive Scanning: Employ tools to perform vulnerability scans across all network assets, identifying weak points that could be exploited by attackers.
• Asset Management and Network Mapping: Create and maintain an up-to-date map of all digital assets, including hardware, software, and network connections. This map should highlight critical systems that, if compromised, could lead to significant operational disruptions or data breaches.
• Consult experts: Engaging in regular consultative conversations with cyber security partners, such as Secon, is crucial for maintaining a robust security posture. These discussions should focus on conducting periodic audits, reviewing current security measures, and staying informed about emerging threats. By partnering with experts, institutions can gain valuable insights and implement tailored solutions that align with their specific needs.

Benefits:

• Proactive Risk Management: Regular assessments enable institutions to address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, thereby reducing the likelihood of successful attacks.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with GDPR is essential for educational institutions. Regular audits, supported by cyber security partners, help verify adherence and reduce the risk of fines. Achieving Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications enhances security by implementing key protective measures and undergoing independent verification. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to cyber security, building trust with students, staff, and stakeholders

2. Build a Culture of Cyber Security Awareness.

It’s crucial to actively cultivate a culture of cyber security awareness, especially in educational settings where users may lack familiarity with digital security. Good cyber security for schools recognise people are a key competent.

Practical Steps:

• Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies, requiring users to create complex passwords and update them regularly. Use tools like password managers to assist users in maintaining secure credentials.
• Phishing Simulations: Regularly conduct simulated phishing attacks to test the vigilance of staff and students. This hands-on approach helps users recognise and avoid real phishing attempts. Camden Councils used Hoxhunt in order to drive behavioural change and create a security culture within their organisation.
• Routine Updates and Patches: Automate the process of updating and patching software to close off known vulnerabilities as soon as fixes become available. Ensuring all devices on the network receive these updates is critical to preventing exploitation.

Benefits:

• Risk Reduction: By ensuring that users follow best practices, institutions can significantly reduce the chances of a successful cyber attack.
• Increased User Confidence: Educating staff and students on cyber security boosts their confidence in using digital tools safely, fostering a more secure learning environment.

3. Implementation of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).

EDR solutions are essential for monitoring and protecting the diverse range of devices (endpoints) used in educational institutions.

Practical Steps:

• Centralised Monitoring: Implement a centralised EDR platform that monitors all network endpoints, including computers, mobile devices, and IoT devices used in classrooms and administrative offices.
• Behavioural Analysis: Use EDR tools to analyse the behaviour of applications and processes running on endpoints. Suspicious activities, such as unauthorized access attempts or unusual data transfers, should trigger immediate alerts and automated responses.
• Incident Response Automation: Configure EDR solutions to automatically isolate compromised devices from the network, preventing the spread of malware or ransomware to other systems.

Benefits:

• Real-Time Threat Detection: Continuous monitoring ensures that threats are identified and mitigated before they can cause widespread damage.
• Improved Incident Response: Automated responses reduce the time it takes to address and contain security incidents, minimising potential damage.

4. Adoption of Managed SIEM and SOC Services.

Whilst children are in school from 9 till 3, a breach can happen at anytime. That is why it is essential that cyber security for schools operates 24/7 all year around, including summer holidays. Outsourcing cyber security monitoring to Managed Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Operations Centre (SOC) providers like ConnectProtect can be a cost-effective solution for schools and universities with limited resources.

Practical Steps:

• Continuous Threat Monitoring: Ensure that the SIEM system aggregates and analyses logs from all network devices, applications, and user activities in real-time, looking for signs of intrusion or anomalies.
• Threat Intelligence Integration: Leverage SOC services that incorporate threat intelligence feeds to stay ahead of emerging threats and adjust defensive measures accordingly.
• Incident Handling and Forensics: In the event of a breach, SOC teams can conduct forensic investigations to understand the attack vector, identify affected systems, and help in the recovery process.

Benefits:

• 24/7 Security: Managed SIEM and SOC services provide round-the-clock monitoring, ensuring that threats are detected and responded to even outside regular working hours.
• Access to Expertise: These services offer access to highly skilled cyber security professionals who can manage complex threats and provide advanced security insights.

5. Incident Response Planning.

Having a well-defined incident response plan is crucial for mitigating the impact of cyber attacks and ensuring a swift recovery.

Practical Steps:

• Incident Response Team: Establish a dedicated incident response team to handle various types of cyber incidents, ranging from minor breaches to full-scale ransomware attacks.
• Playbooks and Procedures: Develop detailed playbooks for different types of incidents, outlining step-by-step procedures for detection, containment, eradication, and recovery.
• Communication Protocols: Define clear communication protocols to ensure that all stakeholders, including staff, students, and external partners, are informed and coordinated during an incident.

Benefits:

• Minimised Impact: A well-executed incident response plan can significantly reduce the damage caused by a cyber attack, preserving data integrity and operational continuity.
• Continuous Improvement: Post-incident reviews allow institutions to learn from each incident, improving their cybe rsecurity measures and incident response strategies over time.

Effective Cyber Security for Schools and Universities.

Cyber security for schools and universities is increasingly complex and challenging. By adopting a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that includes regular risk assessments, strong cyber hygiene practices, advanced endpoint protection, managed SIEM and SOC services, strict adherence to government guidelines, and a robust incident response plan, educational institutions can significantly enhance their resilience against cyber threats. The proactive implementation of these measures will not only protect sensitive data but also ensure the continuity and integrity of educational services in an increasingly digital world.

Partnering with a cyber security expert like Secon offers substantial benefits for schools and universities. A cyber security partner provides tailored expertise, better pricing on cyber security tooling, and ongoing support, addressing the unique challenges educational institutions face. We assist in implementing best practices, support you in achieving regulatory compliance, and managing complex security infrastructures. By continuously monitoring threats and advising on the latest protective measures, a partner like Secon allows educational institutions to focus on their primary mission—educating students—while confidently securing their digital environments. To learn more about how we can support you please get in touch.