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Cyber-Attacks on UK Schools: An Escalating Threat Demanding Urgent Action
The UK education sector is facing an unprecedented surge in cyber-attacks, with schools, colleges, and universities increasingly falling victim to ransomware, phishing schemes, and financial fraud. These attacks not only disrupt operations but also lead to severe financial losses and data breaches. Despite a growing awareness of cybersecurity risks, many institutions remain ill-equipped to defend themselves due to inadequate security measures and budget constraints. Addressing these vulnerabilities is now a priority, with new funding initiatives such as the AWS UK Cyber Education Grant Program and enhanced training programs providing potential solutions.
The Scale of the Cyber Threat
Recent studies paint a stark picture of the cybersecurity landscape within UK education. Research by ESET indicates that 73% of education sector organisations have suffered at least one cyber-attack in the past five years. Meanwhile, UK government data from 2024 shows that, in the past 12 months alone, 71% of secondary schools, 86% of further education colleges, and 97% of higher education institutions experienced cyber-attacks—far exceeding the 50% of businesses reporting similar incidents.
Worryingly, a significant number of institutions are repeat victims, with one in five reporting three or more cyber incidents within the last five years. These repeated breaches highlight a systemic issue, with attackers continually exploiting weaknesses in school networks.
The Impact: Ransomware, Phishing, and Financial Fraud
Among the most devastating attacks are ransomware incidents, which have forced schools to close temporarily. Blacon High School in Cheshire recently announced a closure due to a ransomware attack, exemplifying the disruption such incidents cause.
Phishing scams are another major concern, with 43% of education institutions citing them as their primary cybersecurity threat. Meanwhile, financial fraud has led to substantial monetary losses. The Wembley Multi-Academy Trust, for instance, lost over £385,000 when fraudsters manipulated a supplier’s email and diverted payments.
Cyber-attacks also create significant operational challenges. Teachers report being locked out of essential systems, hampering lesson planning and student engagement. Some institutions take months to recover, with 4% requiring over half a term to restore normal operations.
Gaps in Cybersecurity Measures
Despite the severity of the threat, many schools lack fundamental security protections. One-third of institutions surveyed still do not have basic safeguards such as antivirus software, and 35% fail to enforce strong password policies. More advanced security tools, like managed detection and response, remain largely absent, with 79% of institutions yet to adopt such measures.
Compounding the issue is the limited cybersecurity training for staff. While 76% of organisations believe their staff have good knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, a Teacher Tapp survey revealed that 33% of secondary school teachers had received no cybersecurity training in the past year. This disconnect between perception and preparedness leaves institutions highly vulnerable.
Budgetary Constraints and Policy Challenges
Funding remains a critical barrier to improving cybersecurity in schools. Seven percent of institutions operate without a dedicated cybersecurity budget, and when it comes to cyber insurance, 37% cite budget limitations as a key obstacle, while 28% consider policies too expensive.
Moreover, securing increased funding is often difficult. Nearly half (47%) of education leaders state they must first prove the potential financial impact of a cyber incident before finance departments will approve larger cybersecurity investments.
Jake Moore from ESET warns of a “huge disconnect between budget allocation, lack of insurance and its misconceptions, and inadequate measures, which is leaving institutions highly vulnerable.”
Solutions: Strengthening Cyber Resilience
To counteract these threats, experts advocate for a multi-faceted approach that includes increased investment, stronger policies, and enhanced training. The Cyber Security for School Leaders CPD-accredited course, developed by the Online Safety Alliance (OSA), provides essential training for education leaders on how to effectively manage cybersecurity risks. This initiative is a crucial step towards bridging the knowledge gap among school staff and ensuring institutions implement best practices.
Additionally, the AWS UK Cyber Education Grant Program is offering £5 million in funding to help schools bolster their cyber defences. This initiative provides cloud-based cybersecurity solutions and 600 free courses, including over 40 security-focused training modules. Eligible institutions, including state and private schools, colleges, multi-academy trusts, and universities, can use the funding to enhance security capabilities, improve ransomware protection, upskill IT teams, and implement incident response measures.
Martin Sivorn, Chief Information Security Officer at the Department for Education, has welcomed the initiative, stating that it will “boost the sector’s resilience to breaches—unlocking freedom to harness the potential of tech to drive high and rising education standards.”
Conclusion
The evidence is clear: the UK education sector is under siege from cybercriminals, with attacks causing major disruptions, financial losses, and data breaches. While awareness of cybersecurity risks is increasing, many institutions still lack the necessary protections due to funding constraints and gaps in staff training. Programs like the AWS Cyber Education Grant and the OSA’s Cyber Security for School Leaders course offer valuable support, but a long-term commitment to investment, policy reform, and training is essential. Without urgent action, schools will continue to be prime targets for cybercriminals, putting students, staff, and sensitive data at risk.
Sources:
- “73% of UK Education Sector Hit by Cyber-Attacks in Past Five Years – Infosecurity Magazine” (January 22, 2025)
- “AWS Offers £5 Million in Grants to UK Schools | SC Media UK” (January 24, 2025)
- “Blacon High School forced to close after ‘ransomware attack’ – BBC News” (January 19, 2025)
- “Many schools still don’t have basic cybersecurity measures, research reveals | TechRadar” (January 22, 2025)
- “Ransomware Hit Causes School to Close | SC Media UK” (January 20, 2025)
- “Wembley Multi-Academy Trust Scammed Out of £385,000” (January 31, 2025)