Standard 4: You should protect accounts with access to personal or sensitive operational data and functions by multi-factor authentication:
Part of meeting this standard is to provide training to users unfamiliar with multi-factor authentication.Standard 12: Train all staff with access to school IT networks in the basics of Cyber Security
The importance of meeting the standardThe most common forms of cyber attack rely on mistakes by staff members to be successful. Avoiding these mistakes prevents the attacks.
Basic cyber security knowledge amongst staff and governors is vital in promoting a more risk aware school culture.
How to meet the standard
Staff with access to your IT network must take basic cyber security training every year.
At least one member of the governing body should complete the training.
Remember that the training may change over time with changing cyber threats.
Technical requirements to meet the standard
Staff who require access to your IT network must take basic cyber security training every year. The training should be part of the induction training for new staff
This training should focus on:
- phishing
- password security
- social engineering
- the dangers of removable storage media
Many staff members have already completed the NCSC Cyber Security Training for School Staff training video. Other cyber training could be:
Password Security
Awareness through posters: folder Drip Feeds - posters
New Cyber Security Training
This week the ICO have published some videos about cyber security that are just a few minutes long:What to do in the event of a Cyber Attack
Incidents or attacks where any security breaches may have taken place, or other damage was caused, should be reported to an external body.
The SLT digital lead will be responsible for assigning someone to report any suspicious cyber incidents or attacks. This person will need to report this to:
- Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or the Action Fraud website
- the DfE sector cyber team at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You may also need to report to:
- the NCSC website if the incident or attack causes long term school closure, the closure of more than one school, or serious financial damage
- the ICO website within 72 hours, where a high risk data breach has or may have occurred
- your cyber insurance provider (if you have one), such as risk protection arrangement (RPA)
- Jisc, if you are a part of a further education institution
You must act in accordance with:
- Action Fraud guidance for reporting fraud and cyber crime
- Academy Trust Handbook Part 6, if you are part of an academy trust
- ICO requirements for reporting personal data breaches
Police investigations may find out if any compromised data has been published or sold and identify the perpetrator.
m. Preserving evidence is as important as recovering from the crime.
Forward suspicious emails to