Photo of glasses, the letters 'FOIA' in red, Freedom of information black text on white background.  BBC News Reporter request, DAta Protection Education DPO badge

FOI Request - BBC News

This article shares advice we have given to several customers who have received an FOI request from the BBC News about conducting research into the challenges of handling harmful sexual behaviour in schools.

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New Governor Resources

📢🏛️ We've published some new resources for governing bodies about data protection and cyber security.  Governors can be added to our Knowledge Bank platform as part of your subscription with us at no extra charge.

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World Backup Day

🔄☁️ Having a robust backup is being prepared against data loss and data theft.  March 31st is World Backup day to remind everyone of the importance of having a robust and accessible backup.

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Are teachers using AI? 83% say its a time-saver

🤖🕒 Most meetings we are having with schools at the moment feature conversations and questions around the use of AI by staff in  organisations.  It's clear the landscape is rapidly evolving and education may not be moving as fast, however, it does help to be prepared.

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Arbor AI - On By Default

💻 ⚠️ Arbor recently announced that it was including some AI as part of it's default configuration - some customers have raised questions about this with us.

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DfE Guidance: Choosing a new MIS

✅📃 An MIS (management information system) is a critical part of the school's day to day operations and digital infrastructure.  They can be on premise or in the cloud, which means contract terms can differ.  We highlight the latest guidance alongside what is already data protection law - you should follow this, even if you are procuring your MIS through your local authority or third party IT provider.

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HCRG Care Group data breach

Some of our customers have been affected by the data breach reported by the HCRG Care Group.  The group is currently investigating claims by a ransomware group that more than two terabytes of sensitive information has been breached.

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How to verify visitors the right way

✅🔍 We visit a lot of schools and have a lot of conversations about documentation we are asked to provide as new and returning visitors to organisations. Sometimes we don't agree with what the organisation is asking for, so we thought we'd give some clarification about regulatory requirements.

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Short Guide to AI Video

🎥🤖  Some of the organisations we are talking to are a little confused about AI, whether they should use it and if their staff already are using it or not.  We've put together a short video explaining the different types of AI, the risks and how you should start documenting your use.

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Safer Internet Day, Cyber Security & Data Protection

🛡️🔒We couldn't get through today without mentioning it's Safer Internet Day today (11th February).  And while we don't need a special day to talk about being safe online, cyber security and data protection, we welcome any chance to highlight how important they all are.

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WhatsApp and FOI's: ICO Warnings

📲💬 We come across many organisations using WhatsApp as a communication tool with staff regularly and have previously highlighted some of the risks.  The ICO have recently published information about a case where WhatsApp messages had to be included in a Freedom of Information Request.

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The role of Passkeys in Cyber Resilience and Cyber Security

🗝️🛡️ In a world where cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, protecting sensitive information and user accounts has never been more critical. Traditional passwords are rapidly being replaced by a more advanced and secure solution: passkeys. This article explores the benefits of passkeys, their role in preventing cyber attacks, and what to do if a system does not yet support them.

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ICO report on AI tools in recruitment

🤖🤖 The ICO recently published an overview reports about the use of AI tools in recruitment processes.  While it was recognised that it can offer benefits to employers, it recognises their use can also lead to risks for people and their privacy and information rights.

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Early Years Settings and Cyber Security

🧸 🚼 As digital technology continues to increase in our educational settings, Early Years settings are increasingly integrating digital tools into their operations.  While this might enhance efficiency and communication, it also raises concerns and challenges about cyber security and data protection.

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SLT Digital Lead Profile

👩🏽‍🏫👨🏽‍💻 Since we have been talking to schools and multi academy trusts about the SLT digital lead, there have been a lot of questions about who that should be in the organisation. There’s often an assumption that it should automatically be the IT Manager, technician, or Data Protection Lead.  In this article, we explore the profile of an effective SLT Digital Lead and their critical role in shaping digital strategy, integrating technology into teaching and learning,

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  1. The role of governors in cyber security and data protection
  2. Navigating Privacy at the End of Term , Special Occasions and End of Year
  3. Effectively communicating during a cyber incident
  4. Contracts Register
  5. South East Technological University has experienced a cyber incident
  6. Safeguarding Identity in Microsoft 365: Protecting the UK Education Sector Against Cyber Threats
  7. DfE Digital Standards Autumn Update
  8. The importance of knowing how to access your CCTV footage!
  9. Cyber Attack on a Special School
  10. Stealing children's data
  11. What is dark data? (and why does it matter?)
  12. Ofqual highlights the value of cyber security training in schools
  13. Searching for data when you receive a Subject Access Request
  14. Fylde Coast Academy Trust Cyber Attack This Week
  15. Calling all IT leads in schools and mult academy trusts!
  16. Ransomware cyber attack on a school in Bromley
  17. Join Our Social Media Family!
  18. School hit by Cyber Attack
  19. Cyber Security Best Practice Area
  20. DfE Digital Standards for Schools and Colleges Tracker
  21. New Policies, Documents, Letters and Posters page
  22. Schools and Trusts Best Practice Area
  23. The DPE Retention Schedule
  24. Making the Rounds Update (now includes reporting)
  25. ESFA Cyber Essentials Requirement for Colleges from 2024/2025
  26. ICO Reprimands a School
  27. How does the recent global IT outage affect me?
  28. King's speech introduces new bills in relation to cyber security, smart data and digital information
  29. Out of date technology
  30. Data Retention and the Pupil File
  31. Have you assigned your SLT Digital Lead yet?
  32. What's a Cyber Incident and what should we do?
  33. Getting Started with AI (Artificial Intelligence)
  34. Cyber attack on a school during half term
  35. Free short cyber training for staff
  36. Update to the DfE Digital Cyber Security Standards for Schools and Colleges (May 2024)
  37. The rise of cyber attacks in schools are causing pupils to miss classes
  38. ICO: Learning from the mistakes of others report
  39. Children's mental health data leaked after a cyber attack
  40. Cyber attack on a Trust; the aftermath
  41. School Focus: The Vale Federation | Aylesbury
  42. DfE Dealing with Subject Access Requests (SARs) Guidance
  43. Update to the Guidance on Information Sharing from the DfE
  44. FOI Requests generated by Artificial Intelligence
  45. Social Media Best Practice Area
  46. Lettings Best Practice Area
  47. MFA Bombing - What is it?
  48. Protecting your Social Media Accounts
  49. Why we recommend using checklists
  50. Product Focus on Checklists : Initial Trust Plan
  51. Product Focus on Checklists : End of Term Checklist
  52. Product Focus on Checklists : Information and Cyber Security
  53. Product Focus on Checklists : Social Media
  54. Cyber Incident Review: The Benefits
  55. Product Focus on Checklists : Lettings
  56. Product Focus on Checklists : Record of Processing
  57. Milk Island: The secret location that allows children to view restricted content on Google Maps
  58. Why Data Should Stay Put: Benefits of Keeping Data in Its Original System
  59. Product Focus on Checklists : Data Retention and Destruction
  60. Product Focus on Checklists : Data Migration
  61. Product Focus on Checklists : Biometrics
  62. Product Focus on Checklists : Supplier Due Diligence
  63. Free Cyber help, advice and training with the Cyber Resilience Centres
  64. The Perils of Paper: The Printing Vulnerability
  65. Product Focus on Checklists : FOI
  66. Product Focus on Checklists : Governors and Data
  67. Product Focus on Checklists : DPIA
  68. Product Focus on Checklists : Site Moves
  69. Product Focus on Checklists : Data Breaches
  70. Product Focus on Checklists : Subject Access Requests
  71. Cyber attack on a University
  72. Product Focus on Checklists : Bring your own device
  73. Product Focus on Checklists : Working out of school/offsite
  74. Cyber Attack on a School
  75. Product Focus on Checklists : Redaction
  76. Major cyber-criminal gang Lockbit brought down by UK Law Enforcement
  77. Why Due Diligence is Important: Fake apps
  78. Product Focus on Checklists : CCTV
  79. Product Focus on Checklists : Clear desk
  80. Product Focus on Checklists : Commitment to compliance
  81. Product Focus on Checklists : Photos and video
  82. Product Focus on Checklists : Passwords
  83. Product Focus on Checklists : Information Classification
  84. Safer Internet Day 2024
  85. Kent Councils Data Breach
  86. Free cyber training for staff
  87. DfE Digital Standards Update
  88. The Mother of all Breaches
  89. ClassCharts Possible Data Breach
  90. Where is your data stored?
  91. IAPP looks at AI privacy risks
  92. If you suspect a financial scam .....
  93. Guardians of Privacy: 16. Social Media Checklist
  94. Guardians of Privacy: 15. Navigating Social Media in Educational Settings Summary
  95. Guardians of Privacy: 14. Social Media and Cyber Bullying
  96. Guardians of Privacy: 13. Social Media, Copyright and Intellectual Property
  97. Guardians of Privacy: 12. Social Media and Going Viral
  98. Guardians of Privacy: 11. Staff Social Media Accounts
  99. Guardians of Privacy: 10. Social Media and Cookies
  100. Guardians of Privacy: 9. Social Media and Morality
  101. New Resources for Schools from the ICO
  102. Guardians of Privacy: 8. Social Media Policies
  103. Guardians of Privacy: 7. Social Media Data Retention
  104. Guardians of Privacy: 6. Posting Safely
  105. Guardians of Privacy: 5. Social Media and Consent
  106. Guardians of Privacy: 4. Social Media Access Control
  107. Guardians of Privacy: 3. Social Media Channels
  108. Guardians of Privacy: 2. Law and Regulations
  109. Guardians of Privacy: 1. Social media, privacy and children
  110. Latest ICO Reprimand. Mr. S. Claus, Chief Executive Officer, North Pole Enterprises
  111. Phishing attacks targeting schools - alert from City of London Police
  112. The ICO reprimands a Multi Academy Trust
  113. Guidance for the use of school email and applying email retention in schools
  114. CISA and UK NCSC Announce Joint Guidelines for Secure AI System Development
  115. Data Protection Tips for Early Years Settings
  116. Children's Privacy around the world is a puzzle
  117. Trust Initial Plan Checklist Update
  118. Update on Advisory for Rhysida Ransomware
  119. Records Management Best Practice Update
  120. The Crime in a Cyber Attack and a Data Breach
  121. What do I need to redact?
  122. NCSC Annual Review is published for 2023
  123. Learning from Data Breaches
  124. Windows 11 security ineffective against attacks on old devices
  125. Trust Initial Plan for Data Protection Compliance (for Multi Academy Trusts)
  126. International Counter Ransomware Initiative 2023 Joint Statement
  127. Google for Education Resources: Helping IT Admins meet DfE digital and technology standards
  128. Resistant Cloud Backups
  129. Top Ten Cyber Security Misconfigurations
  130. Lettings Best Practice and Guidance
  131. ICO Reprimand: company suffered a ransomware attack
  132. The UK Online Safety Bill becomes an Act (Law)
  133. Considerations when migrating to a new MIS
  134. The importance of software updates (PaperCut vulnerability and Rhysida ransomware)
  135. Public bodies and sensitive data
  136. Adding offline bulk training using the Certificates function
  137. Ransomware, extortion and the cyber crime ecosystem
  138. Get a DPE Badge for your website!
  139. ICO: 10 Step guide to sharing information to safeguard children
  140. Cyber Resource: The Cyber Resilience Centre Group
  141. Email and Security: ICO recent guidance
  142. Help after a Cyber Attack/Incident
  143. Social Media Policy
  144. Data Protection and Cyber Security (Inset Day) Training Ideas
  145. Changes to Microsoft Free Licensing for Schools
  146. What to do in the event of a Cyber Attack
  147. Cyber Crime: AI Generated Phishing Attacks
  148. Handling Freedom of Information Requests the right way
  149. Cyber Attack: Exam Boards
  150. VICE SOCIETY - Ransomware attacks on schools
  151. Using Tags if you are a group of organisations in the DPE Knowledge Bank
  152. Where's Harry the Hacker?
  153. Be Cyber Aware: USB Sticks
  154. Cyber Insurance in the Public Sector
  155. Types of Cyber Attacks: DDos Attack (Microsoft DDoS Attack in June)
  156. Cyber Attack: Leytonstone School
  157. The ICO Reprimands a school
  158. Be Cyber Aware: Firewalls
  159. Be Cyber Aware: Cyber attacks and transparency. A no blame culture
  160. Cyber Attack: Dorchester School
  161. Knowledge Bank Role Types: Admin, Staff and Trustee
  162. Types of Cyber Attacks: Password Attacks
  163. Be Cyber Aware: Why regular software updates are important
  164. Cyber Attack: Wiltshire School
  165. Keeping your IT systems safe and secure
  166. Types of Cyber Attacks: DDoS Attacks
  167. Types of Cyber Attacks: Phishing
  168. Types of Cyber Attacks: The Insider Threat
  169. Why your data is profitable to cyber criminals
  170. Using WhatsApp in Schools
  171. The Changes to Data Protection in the UK
  172. Knowledge Bank Updates
  173. Types of malware and how they are linked to data protection
  174. Striking Data Breach
  175. IPR Protection Email Scam
  176. Windows Server 2012 & 2012 R2 Retirement
  177. How to contact us for support, subject access requests, data breaches and FOI's
  178. YouTube breached child protection laws
  179. How a school fought back after a cyberattack
  180. Types of Cyber Attacks - Credential Stuffing
  181. January Cyber update - How Can Schools Help Prevent Cyber Attacks?
  182. Assigning courses to staff using to-dos
  183. How the Record of Processing Can Help You
  184. Information Security Basics: What are VPN's?
  185. What does a Data Protection Officer Do?
  186. Are you ready for a Data Breach?
  187. Carrying out Supplier Due Diligence
  188. How Long Should You Keep Personal Data For?
  189. The Education sector now at highest risk of cyber attacks
  190. How to Assess your Data Security
  191. Schools Blocked from Using Facial Recognition Systems
  192. The Children's Code
  193. B&H FoI: Racist/religious incidents/bullying
  194. Cyber Attacks
  195. Protocol for Setting Up and Delivery of Online Teaching and Learning
  196. Class Dojo International Data Sharing
  197. Model Publication Scheme: Amendments, Improvements and Updates
  198. Child friendly privacy notices
  199. Transparency
  200. Secure file transfer of files using Royal Mail
  201. Emergency contacts and consent
  202. Key elements of a successful DPIA
  203. FOI Publication Schemes
  204. SHARE: Avoid disinformation online
  205. Best Practice for Managing Photos and Video
  206. New Drip Feeds: Recognise and Respond to Subject Access Request
  207. When to contact the Data Protection Officer?
  208. National child measurement programme
  209. Compliance Manager released
  210. Headteacher fined for breach of data protection legislation
  211. Emails – good practice and minimising the risk of a data breach

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