Cybersecurity in Schools: Real case Studies and Lessons for Safeguarding

by | May 14, 2026 | Case Studies & Impact

Cybersecurity is a concern within the education sector that is constantly growing with schools becoming targets for cyber attacks more often. These cyber incidents can have severe consequences such as financial loss, data breaches with learning also being disrupted. By examining real-world case studies, education leaders like headteachers, governors and designated safeguarding leads can understand the risks more better and how effective cybersecurity measures can support safeguarding. This post explores examples of cyber incidents in schools and emphasises key lessons that education leaders can apply to their schools to improve cybersecurity measures

Ransomware

One type of cyber attack that is common which affects schools is ransomware, where attackers gain unauthorised access to systems and demand payment for data to be restored. In UK cases several schools have experienced disruption, with access to systems and files being blocked for days. Studies show that schools worldwide were the second most targeted by ransomware in 2021 highlighting the risk it poses on the education sector compromising sensitive data. This also disrupts teaching and learning. These incidents highlight the importance of having security measures in place that are strong inlcuding systems that are updated and regular backups.

Phishing

Phishing attacks is another major cyber attack that causes serious risk within the education sector, often targeting staff members through emails that appear as genuine. Research indicates that over 90% of breaches within the education sector reported are from phishing attacks demonstrating that they are the dominant cyber threat in schools. In many cases, members of staff have shared login details unknowingly, allowing malicious hackers to gain unauthorised access to school systems leading to data breaches and compromise g safeguarding by personal data being exposed. These incidents highlight the need for regular staff training allowing staff members to identify phishing emails more easily and respond appropriately.

Further industry statistics

Recent statistics emphasise the scale of cybersecurity risks within the education sector. Studies show that over 60% of secondary schools in the UK have experienced either a breach or cyber attack, showing how widespread cyber threats have come. Furthermore, many of these incidents are from simple vulnerabilities like lack of awareness from staff or weak passwords. This emphasises the importance of enforcing basic cybersecurity measures and following guidance from key organisations like the NCSC.

Connection to Safeguarding

These studies clearly show that cybersecurity is linked closely to safeguarding. When systems in schools are compromised sensitive data relating to staff and students put a significant risk of being exposed, putting both groups at risk. Security measures that are effective help prevent these attacks, ensuring that schools can maintain a learning environment that’s safe and protect personal data. Cybersecurity should therefore be considered a major part of a schools overall safeguarding strategy.

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About the author: This post was written by Ikram Islam, a student on the CyberSafeSchools Academy virtual work experience programme. The Academy provides secondary school and college students with structured hands-on-experience in cybersecurity and digital marketing.