TL;DR: UK schools are storing sensitive data on systems that are often underfunded, outdated, and poorly protected. From reused passwords to limited IT support, they’ve become prime targets for automated cyber attacks. Here’s what’s putting them at risk — and what schools can do to stay protected without the headache.
What makes UK schools vulnerable to cyber attacks?
It’s not just bad luck. Schools hold valuable data but often lack the resources to defend it properly. Many assume they’re too small to be targeted — but with phishing, ransomware and AI-powered scams now automated, attackers don’t care how big you are. They care how easy it is to get in.
8 reasons schools are being targeted
1. Outdated systems
Many schools are still using Windows 10 — or even older versions — well past their end-of-life date. These unsupported systems no longer receive security updates, making them easy targets for known exploits.
2. Weak passwords
Passwords like “Spring2023!” might tick a complexity box, but they’re no match for modern password-cracking tools. Too often, passwords are reused across systems or never updated at all.
3. Shared logins
Logins like admin@, office@ or head@ are still widely used — and often shared among multiple people. This makes accountability impossible and leaves the door wide open if a single account is compromised.
4. No MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
Even if a password is stolen, MFA can block access. But many schools still haven’t enabled it across critical systems like email, cloud storage, or admin platforms — often because they don’t know where to start.
5. EdTech sprawl
Post-COVID, schools rushed to adopt tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Zoom, Seesaw and more. But many never reviewed access, offboarded leavers, or checked whether security settings were even switched on.
6. Low cyber training
According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, just 37% of primary schools and 50% of secondary schools provide regular staff training on cyber threats. That leaves teams exposed to phishing, spoofed emails, and fake login pages.
And this has consequences. According to Tes Magazine, over 40% of teachers believe their school could lose students’ coursework due to weak cyber security — something Ofqual has now formally warned about.
Explore our cyber awareness training for schools
7. No layered defence (yet)
In 2024, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Jisc announced a powerful free resource: Protective DNS for Schools (PDNS).
It blocks access to known malicious websites before staff or students even reach them. As of 2025, it’s still available — but many schools haven’t switched it on.
“PDNS for Schools will help schools benefit from a modern security product that can prevent threats before they reach users.”
— Sarah Lyons, NCSC Deputy Director
At Cloud & More, we help schools integrate PDNS into their network, alongside the right mix of firewalls, filtering and monitoring tools — without disrupting learning.
8. Understaffed IT (or no IT at all)
Many schools, especially primaries, don’t have in-house IT support. They rely on overworked local authority teams or MSPs who focus on keeping things running — not keeping things secure.
💡 Did you know?
If your school uses fingerprint systems for catering, library access, or secure printing, that data is classed as special category under UK GDPR.
In a cyber attack, stolen fingerprints can’t be “reset” like a password — the safeguarding and compliance risks are permanent.
A breach could trigger an ICO investigation, damage parental trust, and force you to suspend the system, disrupting day-to-day operations.
If you haven’t reviewed how this data is stored, encrypted, and backed up, now’s the time.
Cyber security doesn’t have to be complicated
Schools don’t need a huge budget or an in-house cyber team to be secure. But they do need someone to help them put the right building blocks in place.
That’s where we come in.
- We help schools roll out MFA, PDNS and secure backups
- We review permissions and access across your systems
- We train staff to spot threats and respond calmly
- We help you meet Cyber Essentials requirements — without adding stress
Explore cyber security support for schools or book a quick call with our team.
Key takeaways
- Schools are increasingly targeted because their defences are often thin — not because they’re careless
- Simple steps like enabling MFA, running PDNS, and stopping password sharing can make a huge difference
- The tools exist — but many schools don’t have the time or resource to implement them
- Cloud & More can help you build a secure setup that just works — with no jargon and no disruption
FAQs
What is the biggest cyber risk for UK schools?
Phishing attacks are the most common. These often use spoofed email accounts to trick staff into clicking harmful links or giving away passwords.
Are schools legally required to protect data?
Yes. Under UK GDPR, all schools must protect the personal data of students, staff and families. Failing to do so can lead to reputational damage and financial penalties.
What is Protective DNS for Schools?
It’s a free tool offered by the NCSC and Jisc that blocks access to harmful websites before they reach your network. It works quietly in the background and is now available to all UK schools — but not automatically enabled.
Can Cloud & More help with Cyber Essentials?
Yes. We help schools meet the requirements for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, making sure you’re protected and compliant without loads of paperwork.
How cyber resilient is your school or educational setting?
Take our 2-minute cyber resilience scorecard to find out how prepared your school or organisation really is.
See what our clients have to say
Worried your school is at risk?
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