Building a Whole School Approach to Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity might sound like serious business, but with the whole school on board, it can be a team effort that’s both effective and empowering!

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on ANME

It’s easy to assume that cybersecurity is just the IT team’s job. But the truth is, cyber threats often rely on human mistakes – like clicking on phishing emails, using weak passwords, or falling for social engineering tricks. While IT can set up strong systems to protect the school, those defences can only go so far if teachers, students and staff aren’t following best practices.

The good news? Building a culture of cybersecurity awareness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking a structured approach, schools can involve the entire community in staying safe online. Here are some ideas to get started:

Whole Staff Training

Schools can make cybersecurity a team effort by introducing mandatory training for all staff. Incorporating this into the school’s CPD programme is a great way to ensure everyone is on the same page. Topics like creating strong passwords, spotting phishing scams and staying alert to online threats should be covered. The training can be delivered through online platforms or interactive in-person workshops, and it’s important to keep it up to date with regular refreshers so staff stay informed about the latest risks.

Find Your Champions

Just like having a designated safeguarding lead, schools could appoint cybersecurity champions from various departments. These champions would act as helpful points of contact for their colleagues, promoting good practices and keeping up with the latest cyber threats. By having a dedicated group of staff focused on cybersecurity, the workload is shared, and awareness can reach every part of the school community.

Test the Waters

A great way to boost phishing awareness is by running phishing simulation campaigns. These involve sending fake phishing emails to staff and tracking their responses. The results can highlight who might need extra training and help everyone recognise just how convincing phishing attempts can be these days. It’s an eye-opening and effective way to build awareness across the team.

Get the Students Onboard

Students might be tech-savvy, but they’re still at risk when it comes to cyber threats, especially on social media and other online platforms. Schools can help by offering age-appropriate cybersecurity sessions tailored to their needs. These sessions should teach students how to spot suspicious emails, create strong passwords and protect their personal information. It’s not just about keeping the school’s systems safe – it’s also about giving students the skills they need to practice good digital habits in their everyday lives.

By bringing everyone together – teachers, staff and students – schools can create a strong and united front against cyber threats. Think of it as building a digital safety net where everyone plays a part! Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be intimidating; with teamwork, a bit of training and some clever strategies, it can become second nature.