Governors’ role in cyber security

Be clear on what you need to know about cyber security, and the questions you can ask your school leaders, so you can be assured your school is as safe as possible from a cyber attack.

Last reviewed on 25 March 2024See updates

School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 39500

Contents

You’re responsible for your school’s cyber security
Get support from your LA or trust
Get training for you and your school's staff
School leaders should have precautions in place
Make sure your school leaders develop, review and test an incident response plan
Ask your school leaders to organise an annual audit
Questions to ask your school leaders
Free resources for your school

Our thanks to the following experts for their help with this article: Vickie Cieplak and Edward Trimbee from the West Midlands Regional Cyber Crime Unit; also Karen Mitchell and our internal IT experts at The Key and ScholarPack.

Throughout this article, we also refer to:

The DfE's cyber security standards for schools and colleges
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and its resources

You’re responsible for your school’s cyber security

It's not just down to your school’s IT department

Cyber security is the responsibility of the whole board, not just 1 person. This is because it’s central to your school’s ability to operate and function.

This is explained on page 12 of the NCSC’s cyber

Governors’ role in cyber security

Be clear on what you need to know about cyber security, and the questions you can ask your school leaders, so you can be assured your school is as safe as possible from a cyber attack.

You’re responsible for your school’s cyber security

It's not just down to your school’s IT department

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