NCSC Cyber security training for school staff

Summary

The video script from the National Cyber Security Centre emphasizes the critical role of school staff in defending against cyber threats. It highlights the prevalence of cyber incidents in schools, the importance of training non-IT staff, and the various types of attackers, including criminals and foreign governments. The script offers practical cybersecurity tips, such as recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, securing devices, and the importance of prompt reporting of suspicious activities. It also stresses the need for schools to have robust IT security policies and the staff's responsibility in adhering to them.

Takeaways

• 🏫 Cyber incidents can severely disrupt school operations, emphasizing the importance of IT security and staff awareness.
• 🛡️ Staff play a crucial role in a school's cyber defense by following key cybersecurity steps and understanding school policies.
• 📊 A significant majority of schools surveyed have experienced cyber incidents, with phishing attacks being the most common.
• 🎯 Schools hold valuable data that can attract various cybercriminals, including organized crime and foreign governments.
• 🤝 Schools should have an IT security policy and train non-IT staff to recognize and respond to cyber threats effectively.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Social engineering is a common tactic where attackers manipulate individuals to gain access to sensitive information.
• 🔒 Strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication are essential for protecting accounts from unauthorized access.
• 🛠️ Regular software updates are critical for patching vulnerabilities and protecting against known exploits.
• 🔍 Staff should be vigilant about phishing attempts, knowing the signs and reporting suspicious emails promptly.
• 📱 Personal and school devices should be secured with screen locks, encryption, and adherence to IT security policies.
• 📚 It's important to report any accidental or suspicious cyber incidents to minimize damage and learn from the incidents.

Q & A

What is the National Cyber Security Centre's role in relation to the script provided?

The National Cyber Security Centre is a part of GCHQ and is responsible for providing cyber security training for school staff, as outlined in the script.

Why is technology crucial for the daily operations of a school?

Technology is crucial for schools as it supports various functions such as email communication, online lesson plans, and the Management Information System (MIS), which are essential for the school's everyday activities.

What is a cyber incident and why is it impactful on a school's operations?

A cyber incident is a situation where a school's systems, processes, or people are negatively affected through IT means. It can have a devastating and sometimes critical impact on the school's operations due to the heavy reliance on technology.

What is the role of the IT team or IT support provider in a school's cyber security?

The IT team or IT support provider is responsible for securing the school's systems and ensuring basic protection from cyber attacks, although no technological solution is 100% effective.

Why is staff awareness important in a school's cyber defenses?

Staff awareness is crucial as educated staff can recognize the main cyber risks and threats, thus playing a vital role in the school's cyber defenses by following key cyber security steps.

What is the significance of an IT security and acceptable use policy in a school?

An IT security and acceptable use policy provides guidance on the school's cyber security measures and acceptable behaviors online, which staff should read and understand to ensure compliance with the school's policies.

What was the key finding from the cyber security school's audit regarding phishing attacks?

The audit revealed that 69% of schools had suffered a phishing attack, making it the most common form of cyber attack across the schools surveyed.

Why are schools potentially attractive targets for cyber criminals?

Schools hold sensitive data on pupils, parents, and staff, which can be valuable for criminals for various reasons such as setting up fake bank accounts or reselling the details online. Additionally, schools may have weak security measures, making them soft targets.

What is 'social engineering' and how can it be used against a school?

Social engineering is a manipulative technique where attackers use personal information about a staff member to influence victims into performing actions or divulging confidential information, typically for fraud purposes, without the victim realizing it.

What is the importance of reporting if a staff member clicks on a phishing link by mistake?

Reporting a click on a phishing link is important because it allows the school to take immediate action to reduce potential harm, such as preventing unauthorized access to accounts or systems.

What steps can school staff take to protect themselves and the school from cyber attacks?

Staff can protect the school by following key cyber security steps such as understanding the main cyber risks, practicing good cyber hygiene, using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication where available, and reporting any suspicious activity immediately.

Why is it important for school staff to have a unique password for their work accounts?

Having a unique password for work accounts prevents attackers from gaining access to multiple accounts if one password is compromised, reducing the risk of a broader security breach.

What is the role of two-factor authentication (2FA) in enhancing account security?

Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text or code, in addition to the password, making it more difficult for cyber criminals to access accounts even if they have the password.

How can school staff ensure their devices are secure?

Staff can ensure their devices are secure by keeping software up to date, only downloading apps from official stores, using screen locks, encrypting sensitive data, and reporting any suspicious activity or issues immediately.

What is the significance of reviewing privacy settings on social media and professional networking sites?

Reviewing privacy settings helps to reduce the amount of personal information available to potential attackers, minimizing the risk of targeted phishing attacks or social engineering tactics.

Why is it important to report any security concerns or issues to the IT team?

Reporting security concerns promptly allows the IT team to address potential vulnerabilities or incidents before they escalate, thus protecting the school's data and systems from cyber threats.