How can schools avoid cyber-attacks?
When it comes to protecting schools from cyber threats, it can be challenging to know what the best approach is. Every system is different, and with multiple users of varying ages, staying ahead of the hackers can sometimes feel like a full-time job.
As experts in IT, we assess the three levels of threat schools face today and what they can do to prevent themselves from falling foul of a cyber-attack.
The different levels of cyber attacks
Not all cyber-attacks are the same. There are different levels of threat to your school, and it is important to recognise and deal with each one differently.
At the lower end of the scale are minimally disruptive malware attacks that can easily be prevented using standard security software.
On the other scale, high-level attacks, which are very rare, are extremely difficult to prevent as they come from a sustained and targeted attack to disrupt the system.
Where the most significant threat lies for UK schools is mid-level attacks which can bypass standard cyber security and work by targeting human error to disrupt systems. Attacks such as malware are hidden in disguised links or phishing emails. These fake emails are designed to steal personal information and are becoming increasingly sophisticated. An increasing threat to the educational environment, as 80% of universities, 76% of secondary schools and 41% of primary schools report being targeted in the last year. By simply clicking on a corrupted link or opening a document in a fake email, malware can be installed on your computer, causing unlimited damage to the entire system.
How to stay one step ahead of the hackers?
Prevention is the best way to deal with these attacks. Schools can prevent themselves from falling foul of these increasing cyber-attacks by being vigilant and looking out for the signs.
Look out for the first signs of an attack.
When a computer starts to slow down drastically, it is often a sign that there has been a breach in your security and malware has been installed on your device, degrading its performance. So, if a document usually takes seconds to load but then the next day takes considerably more time, there is a chance you are experiencing the early signs of a cyber-attack. Do not click on any unusual links; contact your IT department immediately.
Regularly update your system.
Software updates are essential in preventing cyber-attacks. Updates are designed to fix bugs in your code which could leave you susceptible to hacks. Make sure that your computer systems are regularly updated and consistently fully close down your computer to allow updates to be installed.
Keep staff training up to date.
According to the World Economic Forum, 95%* of all hacks are caused by human error. With schools constantly being bombarded with emails, these attacks rely on individuals not being vigilant, clicking on links or opening emails in a rush, allowing the malware to be installed on your system, access your computer, and corrupt files.
Ongoing training is one of the best ways of preventing an issue. Keeping staff up to date with the latest threats and ensuring that both staff and students are aware of the dangers of opening emails or links from unreputable sources can prevent schools from falling foul of attacks. Hackers are increasingly using more sophisticated techniques making attacks harder to spot. It is essential that individuals are kept up to date with how to use the latest software and strategies attackers are using to spot issues before they arise.
Being vigilant and knowing what to look out for, prevention is always the most reliable way of protecting against a cyber-attack
Looking for more advice?
We have put together a handy guide of 9 IT practices every school should follow to give you more hints and tips on keeping your school safe from cyber-attacks.
Protect your school from cyber-security attacks
Get your school’s free IT security health check
Worried you could be doing more and want to see how well your security measures stack up? Halchax offers a FREE Health Check Service for schools across the country.
Our IT experts will assess what you have in place currently to see how we can increase your security and make it safer for your school. We will work with you to get the best result within your school budget.
Halchax can offer advice about what you can do to keep your school safe from cyber-attacks or incidents. We explain the primary cyber security risks schools face and how they could be targeted. We also offer ongoing support online or in person in times of uncertainty.
To book your FREE School Security Health Check get in touch today: 0330 102 7464 or info@halchax.co.uk
