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Education Sector Cybersecurity

Overview

  • Protects sensitive student and staff data: Schools, colleges, and universities hold vast amounts of personal, financial, and health information, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
  • Reduces ransomware risk: The education sector is now the most targeted industry for ransomware attacks globally, often due to limited IT budgets and outdated defences.
  • Supports compliance and funding: Demonstrating robust cybersecurity is increasingly linked to regulatory compliance (e.g. DfE’s cyber standards) and insurance requirements.
  • Minimises costly downtime: A cyberattack can halt lessons, delay exams, and disrupt online learning platforms, damaging both learning outcomes and institutional reputation.

Education Sector Cybersecurity That Protects More Than Just Data

Cyberattacks in education aren’t theoretical, they’re constant. From primary schools to major universities, institutions across the UK are under siege. According to Sophos’ 2023 State of Ransomware in Education report, 79% of lower education providers and 80% of higher education institutions were hit by ransomware in the last year, the highest rates of any sector.

Education is vulnerable by design: shared networks, BYOD policies, and decentralised systems all create opportunity for attackers. And yet, many institutions are under-resourced when it comes to cyber defences.

At Fortifi, we help you bridge that gap. Our CREST-accredited penetration testing simulates real-world attacks to find and fix vulnerabilities before criminals can exploit them. We work with MATs, universities, colleges, and private institutions to deliver affordable, risk-based testing aligned with your operational needs.

The Case for Smarter Security in Education

  • Ransomware is rampant: Education saw the highest rate of data encryption in ransomware incidents, 81% in higher ed, and 80% in lower ed (Sophos, 2023).

  • Downtime has real consequences: 56% of institutions that suffered a ransomware attack took more than a month to fully recover their data and systems.

  • Attacks are getting more expensive: The average recovery cost for lower education institutions is $1.59 million, while higher education organisations average $1.42 million per attack.

  • Regulation is evolving: The UK Department for Education’s Cyber Security Standards for Schools and Colleges now require schools to demonstrate active cybersecurity controls, including regular vulnerability assessments.

Why Education Institutions Choose Fortifi

We help educational institutions:

  • Uncover vulnerabilities in servers, endpoints, Wi-Fi, remote access, and learning platforms

  • Meet insurance and funding requirements with CREST-recognised testing

  • Build a long-term roadmap for resilience without blowing your IT budget

  • Provide peace of mind to governors, parents, and staff

Cybersecurity shouldn’t be a luxury, especially when education is at stake. Fortifi helps you protect your people, your systems, and your future.

Protect your educational institution today.

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