The ICO recently published an updated article aimed at small business with tips for IT security - this advice would also be applicable for schools and colleges.
This table shows the advice from the ICO and how areas of the Data Protection Education Knowledge Bank can help and guide you in those areas.
| ICO Recommendation | DPE Knowledge Bank Links |
| Back up your data |
|
| Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication |
Password Best Practice Library |
| Be aware of your surroundings |
Information & Cyber Security Best Practice Library How to avoid a data breach: Information and Cyber Security Training Course |
| Be way of suspicious emails | |
| Install anti-virus and malware protection | |
| Protect your device when it's unattended | |
| Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is secure | Info/Cyber Security Checklist |
| Limit access to those who need it | |
| Take care when sharing your screen | |
|
Don't keep data for longer than you need it |
Records Management Best Practice Library |
|
Dispose of old IT equipment and records securely |
Info/Cyber Security Checklist |
The full ICO article is here: 11 Practical Ways to Keep Your Systems Safe And Secure
Further ICO Password guidance: Passwords in online services
What to do in the event of a cyber attack?
Tell someone! Report to IT. Report to SLT.
Unplug the computer from the internet by removing the ethernet cable or turning the Wi-Fi off.
If you are a victim of a ransomware attack we would recommend reporting this to Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ as well as your data protection officer so they can advise about the data loss. Most cyber crimes like these will also need to be reported to the ICO by your data protection officer.
Isolate the infected device and pass to IT
Always ensure there are backups you can restore from.