All schools across the UK are being encouraged to sign up for a free service developed by cybersecurity chiefs to protect them against online attacks.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) - part of GCHQ - said the expansion of its cyber resilience service means more schools can benefit.
It comes after a recent poll of teachers in England, carried out for Ofqual, found that more than a third (34 per cent) of schools and colleges experienced a cybersecurity incident during the past academic year.
Last month, England’s exams regulator warned that students’ coursework could be lost because of “weak” cybersecurity in a school or college system.
It is hoped the free service - PDNS (Protective Domain Name System) for Schools - will help schools across the UK block online threats such as malware, ransomware and phishing attacks.
The threat of cyberattacks
Sarah Lyons, deputy director for economy and society at the NCSC, said: “With a growing range of cyber threats, it has never been more important to protect our educational environments from online threats.
“The PDNS for Schools service offers a crucial layer of protection, helping schools defend against common online threats at no cost.
“I encourage all schools to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their cyber resilience and ensure a safer digital future for students and staff alike.”
Stephen Morgan, minister for early education, said: “I know how important it is that our schools, colleges and nurseries are protected from online threats, and our work to help these settings improve their cybersecurity never stops.
“We have worked closely with the National Cyber Security Centre on this service to ensure all schools can now benefit from enhanced cyber resilience at no cost to them and I encourage settings to take advantage of this enhanced protection.”
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “Online threats are a major worry for schools, colleges and trusts, and they are constantly on their guard.
“Many of these attacks are identified and prevented from causing damage, but some do get through and can cause really serious disruption and a great deal of distress.
“Anything which provides more protection is good news.”
For the latest education news and analysis delivered every weekday morning, sign up for the Tes Daily newsletter
