Did you know there is an increase in cyber attacks on a long weekend? Long weekends and holidays are 'peak season' for hackers who exploit reduced oversight.

On March 11, threat actors breached Stryker's network via a unique cyber attack - while the data was removed and then devices wipes, the method of entry into Stryker's network is key to improving your own cyber resilience.

The SEROCU (South East Organised Crime Unit) has advised schools across Surrey and Sussex to be aware of a rise in M365 phishing emails.

Finding the right IT partner and support provider is a big decision.  Due diligence for IT Support isn't just about who can 'fix computers', it's about ensuring standards are followed and they work with you to meet your organisation's strategy. Data Protection Education has a DfE IT Support Tracker and Supplier Due Diligence Directory to provide support and guidance as well as tracking your progress.

The Government Cyber Action Plan, published in January 2026, sets out a radical shift in how the UK public sector manages cyber security and digital resilience. It moves away from fragmented, siloed defences toward a "Defend as One" model led by a new Government Cyber Unit within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

NUNEATON, January 7, 2026 — Higham Lane School in Nuneaton has been forced to remain closed this week following a "significant" cyber attack that has crippled its entire digital infrastructure. The incident, which was discovered over the weekend just as students were set to return from the Christmas break, has left approximately 1,500 pupils unable to attend classes.

We're sharing some small snippets over Christmas to share with staff.  Please feel free to share the link to this short news article or follow us over on our social media channels where we share additional help and advice - we'd love to see you there!

The DfE Technology in Schools survey: 2024 to 2025 was published this week. We give our views on the results:

Several London councils are believed to have been targeted in cyber attacks within the past few days, including Hammersmith, who were previously attacked in 2020.

The government has announced an additional Digital Standard to help with planning, commissioning and reviewing their IT support services.  The services can be internal, external or a hybrid.  Effective IT support is essential for maintaining technology, planning improvements and mitigating risks like outages and cyber incidents, and sits alongside the other 11 standards.

Whether it's via a support ticket, online data protection compliance meeting or data walk around an organisation, we are having lots of conversations about the use of Shadow AI - the use of AI tools, applications or models by staff or students without the formal approval, oversight or governance of the organisation.

As Cyber Security Awareness Month draws to a close, it's important to recognise that cybersecurity isn't a destination; it's a continuous journey. For organisations, particularly those in the education sector, this journey often involves working towards recognised standards and certifications. In the UK, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus are government-backed schemes designed to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber threats. For schools, the Department for Educat