Information security is a continually evolving area. A never-ending battle to keep confidential school information secure and still accessible by those who are authorised. For your school network to be safe, a layered approach to security is required.
The responsibility for information security is enormous. As schools, you hold personal information about your staff and pupils. Some of which could leave them very vulnerable if it were accessed by the wrong people.
We would like to bust these 7 myths surrounding information security.
1. Anti-virus software will keep your business completely safe
Anti-virus or anti-malware should be viewed as the first line of defence in keeping your system safe. These software’s rely on a large database that has information about all the malware/viruses out there. Hackers are consistently building new malware and viruses designed to disrupt or steal information.
2. Our WiFi is secure, it has a password
Any public WiFi can be compromised, even with a password. Passwords should be strong and regularly updated. Having a system in place with your staff team on how to securely distribute new passwords will give them confidence in security measures.
3. We would know if we were hacked
Modern malware is stealthy and hard to detect, it can sit in the background siphoning off information. It doesn’t always lead to your computer running slow or seeming buggy. Regular system checks are advisable to detect attacks.
4. Schools don’t get hacked
Hackers will target what is vulnerable regardless of the size or purpose of an institution. The technology security industry is modelled around the concept that “It’s not IF you will be hacked but WHEN.” Therefore, a proactive approach is required, regular updates to software and training around how to recognise phishing are good practice.
5. Our anti-virus system is 100% secure
Due to the constantly evolving nature of technology, no system can be 100% secure unless it is also constantly evolving and has several security measures built-in. Anti-virus software is just one facet in a web of measures needed to keep your information safe.
6. Cyber Security is too expensive
The cost of a breach can be astronomic, 60% of businesses who experience a breach fold within 12 months. An incredible amount of damage can be done to your systems in one attack. Everything from stealing sensitive data to erasing or corrupting the information held.
7. My school is too small to be a target
Most hackers will target systems that are easy to breach. The size of the organisation is irrelevant. If you have any information stored digitally, it needs to be rigorously protected.
The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2020 Education Annex found that educational settings were more likely than businesses to suffer a breach in an indicative sample study. The image shows the reported incidences in different educational levels that were identified. There were likely further unidentified breaches.
Primary School 41%
Secondary School 76%
Further/higher education Institutions 80%
Discovering and implementing the government’s advice on the 10 steps to cyber security is minimum good practice for all organisations.
CloudHappi can advise you on the level of security that your educational establishment requires. We give consistent market leading support to all of our customers. Our scheme is designed to keep your systems running seamlessly. Suppose you do experience a catastrophic event such as fire or flood. In that case, our disaster recovery will keep all of your IT running.
CloudHappi have teamed up with gold-standard software companies to provide your school with strong ongoing protection. We have numerous failsafe’s to ensure that your data remains secure from attack. While being available to the authorised staff and pupils. Contact one of our experts today
Recent Comments