Cyber Security in Education

 

When it comes to schools, the amount of data you manage is growing every year; student records, sensitive documents, staff details, and so much more. It’s easy to assume that platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace will cover you in case something goes wrong, but here’s the truth: even they recommend using third-party backup solutions for maximum security. So, let’s talk about why backup and recovery are essential for your school and how our tailored solution can take the stress out of it. 

 

 

Data loss can happen in the blink of an eye. Whether it’s a cyberattack, human error, or an unexpected system failure, the consequences of losing data are severe. Imagine one of your administrators accidentally deleting crucial student records and finding out there’s no way to recover them, terrifying, right? 

 

But it’s not just human error that poses a risk. Schools are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks, with a staggering 61% of schools experiencing a data breach in the last year. Whether it’s ransomware or a phishing scam, your data is always at risk. And while platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are secure, even they encourage users to have third-party backups as an extra layer of protection. Microsoft’s own service agreement even recommends regular backups to ensure data recovery in case of accidental deletion or cyber incidents. 

 

 

Let’s take an example of a school that assumed their Google Workspace would cover everything. One day, a well-meaning staff member clicked on a phishing email, inadvertently giving hackers access to their system. Files were encrypted, and the school was left with no access to vital data; student records, lesson plans, everything. Without a backup in place, they had no choice but to pay the ransom. 

 

If they had a third-party backup solution in place, the story would have been different. They could have simply restored their data from a secure, offsite location and avoided the nightmare of paying a ransom to cybercriminals. 

 

 

At AiMTECH, we’ve created a backup and recovery solution that’s not just comprehensive but tailored specifically for schools. Our service ensures compliance with Department for Education (DfE) and Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA) guidelines, which means you’ll always be meeting the necessary standards for data protection. 

 

 

 

One of the biggest concerns for schools is budgeting for data protection. We know how tight school budgets can be, which is why we offer predictable, affordable pricing. With a single annual fee based on student numbers, you won’t be hit with surprise costs. Our solution is designed to fit within your budget, making sure you get the protection you need without straining your finances. 

 

 

It’s not just about having a backup, it’s about being compliant with the latest standards. Schools need to meet specific conditions to qualify for RPA cyber insurance, such as having offline backups and implementing the 3-2-1 rule (three copies of your data, stored on two devices, with one copy offsite). Our solution automatically meets these requirements, ensuring your school is always covered. 

 

Additionally, all staff or governors who have access to the school’s technology systems need to complete NCSC Cyber Security Training. We ensure that you’re not just compliant with data backup standards but also aligned with all the broader security requirements schools face today. 

 

 

Backing up your data is no longer optional; it’s an essential part of protecting your school from data loss, cyberattacks, and compliance issues. At AiMTECH, we take the complexity out of backup and recovery by offering a solution that’s comprehensive, compliant, and cost-effective. 

 

If you want peace of mind knowing your data is protected, get in touch with us today for a quote. Let’s work together to ensure your school’s data is always safe, secure, and accessible when you need it most.