Maximum Networks, a nationwide IT support provider specialising in cloud-based tech and advanced telecoms, has recommended all schools and educational providers consider IT and data security a key priority for the year ahead.
Surges in cybersecurity attacks and data breaches and growing exposure to phishing scams due to the prevalence of student devices and remote logins have impacted the educational IT environment, often making legacy solutions and conventional safeguards unfit for purpose.
The firm suggests focusing on agile, future-proof and robust telecoms and IT support for schools as the ideal approach, alongside staff and student education to reinforce security provisions at each touch point.
Rises in Data Breaches Targeting UK Schools and Colleges
Part of the reason behind spikes in hacking and phishing in schools is that the modern education system is far more reliant on technology than ever before.
Students are often issued with tablets or laptops, teachers use digital whiteboards and app-based reward systems, reception teams and attendance officers track illnesses and absences through software, and parents pay for lunches, trips and uniform items through online platforms.
The more interconnected devices using the same systems and networks or with access permissions from any location, the more potential gaps in security for cybercriminals to slip through – often with disastrous consequences.
Attacks might occur through phishing scams, viruses introduced through links on school social media pages or forums, malware circulated via email, and form jacking, where hackers extract payment information from unsuspecting parents or school procurement staff when they believe they are making a legitimate payment.
Issues around IT safeguards are not, however, limited to external security threats. Problems such as online bullying, age-inappropriate online material, accessing AI-based programmes to complete coursework, or plagiarising existing texts are also serious concerns for educational professionals.
Putting policies in place can protect the learning environment while ensuring students and teachers can benefit from the resources, devices, apps and systems at their disposal.
Advice for Schools Looking to Upgrade Their Systems and Data Protection Arrangements
Fortunately, there are multiple potential options for schools and colleges currently struggling with outdated systems or aware of vulnerabilities within their digital infrastructure that may pose a risk to pupil data protection and the efficient running of the school site.
Stewart Lines, Managing Director of Maximum Networks says, ‘The right solutions very much depend on the needs of the educational organisation, including the number of devices and platforms in use, the on-demand need for access to pupil data or information, and the types of software being used in the school.
Our first step when consulting with any client is to audit and appraise their internet-facing infrastructure to identify risks and to collate feedback about outages, lags and downtime and where these are causing frustration, limitations on capacity, or making it harder for academic and administrative colleagues to complete their assigned tasks quickly and accurately.
In most cases, a standard antivirus or antimalware software is insufficient, primarily because of the diverse ways a hacker could infiltrate the school system, through on-site devices and portals or via student devices, family communication apps and content management systems used for newsletters, websites and restricted access channels.
A digital risk assessment can also highlight those areas that stand to benefit most from upgrades, professional IT support or ongoing monitoring and updates to plug gaps in cybersecurity.
Examples such as data breaches and attacks that infiltrate pupil records and school email systems can be serious from a confidentiality, data protection and reputational perspective. Hence, a tailored approach adapted to the school's needs, risks and budgets is key.’
Designing Future-Proof School and College IT Systems
The gold standard is to have an IT system that is proactively managed, thus pre-empting faults or issues that can stall lessons, make it difficult for students to access resources, or threaten the security of the school's digital ecosystem.
Rather than waiting for a crisis to emerge or trying to recover confidential data following a breach, an IT system that is engineered to detect potential threats and shut them down is ideal while ensuring systems work smoothly and support excellent educational experiences and positive feedback from parents and other agencies needing to liaise with the school.
Lines says, 'Buying off-the-shelf data protection software or relying on pre-installed firewalls is simply not recommended for a school. These basic resources are designed for general usage environments and don't meet the expected level of security necessary to protect sensitive data or to shield a school from becoming the next target of a data breach or cybersecurity attack.
We recognise the key need to balance budgets and digital assets and often work with schools and colleges, alongside other childcare and education providers, to find ways to augment the security, speed and reliability of their systems while implementing IT management policies that will stand them in good stead.
For now, the message is clear – complacency can be a critical error, and schools that haven’t revised or risk-assessed their IT infrastructure within the last few months are strongly advised to take appropriate action.
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Media Contact:
Phil Kinch
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About Maximum Networks
Maximum Networks is a leading IT support provider and telecoms company based in Birmingham, UK. The company has been dedicated to offering comprehensive IT support, managed services, and bespoke telecom solutions to businesses of all sizes. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and industry-leading expertise, Birmingham IT support company Maximum Networks has become a trusted partner for businesses looking to streamline operations and enhance communications.
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Source Company: https://www.maximumnetworks.co.uk/
