Malware and ransomware attacks have left one in five schools without access to important and sensitive information about pupils and staff, research reveals.
The national Cybersecurity Schools Audit also shows that almost four in five schools fell victim to at least one type of cyber-incident in 2022.
The government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warns that schools remain at a high risk from cyber-criminal attacks and vigilance is “essential”.
The audit involved 805 UK schools and took place in May 2022. It reveals that 78% – almost four in five – of the schools had experienced at least one type of cyber-incident with 7% experiencing “significant disruption as a result”. And 18% have experienced loss of access to important information – both short-term and permanent loss.
