What Every School Needs to Know
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. It is a safeguarding, operational and financial issue that affects every school.
While schools invest heavily in technology to support teaching and learning, cybercriminals continue to target educational institutions through one of the simplest and most effective methods available: phishing attacks.
A single fraudulent email can lead to compromised accounts, financial losses, data breaches and significant disruption to the school day.
The good news is that many phishing attacks can be prevented through awareness, training and the right technical safeguards.
What Is a Phishing Attack?
A phishing attack is a fraudulent email, message or website designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information or performing actions they would not normally take.
These emails often appear to come from trusted sources such as:
- Microsoft 365
- School suppliers
- Banks
- Government organisations
- Headteachers or senior leaders
- Parents
- Colleagues
The objective is usually to:
- Steal usernames and passwords
- Gain access to email accounts
- Install malicious software
- Redirect payments
- Access sensitive school data
Why Are Schools Being Targeted?
Schools hold large amounts of valuable information, including:
- Staff records
- Pupil information
- Safeguarding data
- Financial information
- Parent contact details
At the same time, schools often have hundreds of users accessing systems daily, creating multiple opportunities for attackers.
Cybercriminals understand that busy staff members may not always have time to scrutinise every email carefully.
Common Phishing Examples in Schools
Fake Microsoft 365 Login Requests
Staff receive an email claiming their password has expired and they need to log in immediately.
The link directs them to a fake Microsoft login page designed to steal credentials.
Invoice and Payment Fraud
An attacker impersonates a supplier and requests payment details to be updated.
If successful, payments may be diverted to criminal accounts.
Fake Shared Documents
An email claims a colleague has shared an important document.
The link leads to a fraudulent website requesting login credentials.
Urgent Requests from Senior Leaders
Attackers may impersonate a Headteacher or School Business Manager and request urgent action.
These emails often create a sense of pressure to encourage staff to act without verification.
Warning Signs of a Phishing Email
Staff should be encouraged to look for:
- Unexpected requests for passwords
- Urgent or threatening language
- Poor grammar or spelling
- Unfamiliar email addresses
- Suspicious links
- Unexpected attachments
- Requests for financial information
When in doubt, staff should always verify requests through another communication method.
How Schools Can Protect Themselves
Staff Awareness Training
Technology alone cannot stop every attack.
Regular staff training helps employees recognise suspicious emails and understand the risks.
Even short awareness sessions can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an additional layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity using a second method.
Even if a password is compromised, MFA can often prevent unauthorised access.
Email Filtering and Monitoring
Modern email security solutions can identify and block many phishing attempts before they reach users.
Effective filtering significantly reduces risk across the organisation.
Strong Password Policies
Schools should encourage:
- Unique passwords
- Long passphrases
- Password managers where appropriate
- Regular review of compromised accounts
Cyber Security Reviews
Regular reviews of systems, permissions and security settings help identify weaknesses before they can be exploited.
What To Do If You Suspect a Phishing Attack
If a member of staff believes they have interacted with a phishing email:
- Report the incident immediately.
- Disconnect affected devices if instructed.
- Change passwords.
- Notify the IT support team.
- Review account activity.
- Monitor for unusual behaviour.
Fast action can significantly reduce the impact of an attack.
Cyber Security Is Everyone’s Responsibility
The most effective cybersecurity strategy combines people, processes and technology.
Schools that invest in staff awareness, robust security measures and proactive IT support are far better positioned to defend against modern cyber threats.
Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but with the right approach, schools can remain secure and focused on what matters most: providing an outstanding education for their pupils.
How Academe IT Can Help
At Academe IT, we help schools strengthen their cybersecurity through proactive monitoring, staff awareness, Microsoft 365 security, filtering solutions, backup systems and ongoing technical support.
If you would like a review of your school’s current cybersecurity posture, contact our team today on 0121 630 3620 or email sales@academeit.co.uk