Cyber Security and Resilience: Are Schools Prepared?

11 February, 2026

Is Cyber Security at the Forefront of Your School’s ICT Strategy?

Cyber security is no longer a background IT concern for schools. As reliance on cloud platforms, online safeguarding tools and connected devices continues to grow, digital security has become central to protecting pupils, staff and day to day operations.

Schools and Multi Academy Trusts are increasingly asking whether their current cyber protections are strong enough to deal with modern threats, and whether they could recover quickly if something went wrong.

Why Cyber Security Is a Growing Issue for Schools

Schools are now highly digital environments. Teaching platforms, management information systems, safeguarding tools, communication systems and even physical security solutions all depend on secure networks and protected data.

This increased reliance has made schools a frequent target for cyber-attacks. According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, 44% of primary schools and 60% of secondary schools reported experiencing a cyber breach or attack in the past 12 months, with even higher figures across further and higher education.

These figures are higher than the average across UK businesses, highlighting that education settings are particularly exposed.

The Cyber Threat Landscape Schools Face

Cyber threats affecting schools are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Many attacks now focus on exploiting everyday behaviour rather than technical vulnerabilities.

Common risks include:

Phishing emails targeting staff to steal login details
Ransomware attacks designed to lock or encrypt data
Weak or poorly secured Wi-Fi networks
Outdated devices and unpatched software
Vulnerable endpoints such as laptops, tablets, VoIP phones, CCTV and IoT devices
Limited staff awareness of cyber risks

As digital estates expand, the number of potential entry points for attackers increases.

Rising Expectations Around Cyber Protection

Alongside the growing threat landscape, expectations around cyber security are also increasing.

Schools are under greater pressure to demonstrate strong controls around access, monitoring and data protection. Measures such as multi-factor authentication, modern firewalls, secure filtering and endpoint protection are now widely expected rather than optional.

Many schools also reference the DfE Digital and Technology as a practical benchmark when reviewing their cyber security approach, particularly in areas linked to safeguarding, resilience and reliability.

Cyber insurance providers are also tightening requirements, with evidence of good cyber hygiene increasingly needed to secure or renew cover.

From Cyber Security to Cyber Resilience

In 2026, cyber security is no longer just about preventing attacks. Resilience, the ability to continue operating and recover quickly, is just as important.

Cyber resilience focuses on ensuring schools can withstand incidents with minimal disruption. This typically includes:

Strong technical protections across networks and devices
Active monitoring to detect threats early
Reliable data backup and recovery processes
Clear policies and trained staff who understand how to respond

The ability to restore systems and maintain continuity is becoming a key part of wider digital planning.

Supporting Schools with Cyber Security and Resilience

At Tel Group, we support schools and trusts in strengthening both cyber security and cyber resilience in a practical, sustainable way.

This includes helping schools review existing protections, identify risks, implement appropriate security controls and provide ongoing oversight to ensure systems remain protected as threats evolve. By combining technical protection with monitoring, backup and ongoing support, schools are better placed to protect sensitive data and maintain continuity if incidents occur.

Our approach is designed to help schools move away from reactive responses and towards more proactive, long term cyber management.

Protecting your Digital Environment

As cyber threats continue to grow in scale and sophistication, schools that act early are better positioned to protect their digital environments.

Investing in cyber security and resilience now helps reduce risk, avoid disruption and ensure technology remains a safe and reliable part of school life in the years ahead.Why Online Safety in Schools Matters in 2026

With the rise of cloud learning platforms, AI powered tools, online assessment systems and social media, digital technology has become an essential part of everyday education. While these technologies offer huge benefits, they also bring online safety challenges, including: