Cyber Threats in the Classroom: Strengthening Cybersecurity in UK Education

Introduction

As digital learning becomes ever more central to the UK education system, so too does the risk of cyber attacks. The 2025 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, published by the UK government, reveals a sobering reality: educational institutions—from primary schools to universities—are facing cyber threats at alarmingly high rates, often exceeding those experienced by UK businesses.

With sensitive data at stake, including personal information on pupils, staff, and research, the need to enhance cybersecurity across the sector has never been more urgent. This report provides key insights into the current threat landscape and offers practical recommendations to help education providers protect their digital environments.

Key Findings

High Breach Rates Across the Sector

Cyber incidents are increasingly common across all levels of education:

• Primary Schools: 44% reported at least one breach or attack in the past 12 months.

• Secondary Schools: 60% were affected—well above the national business average of 43%.

• Further Education Colleges: An alarming 85% reported incidents.

• Higher Education Institutions: Topped the list, with 91% experiencing breaches or attacks.

These figures reflect a clear trend: educational settings are highly attractive targets for cybercriminals, particularly due to large volumes of personal data and often outdated IT systems.

Predominant Threats: Phishing and Social Engineering

Phishing remains the most prevalent form of attack:

• 92% of primary schools

• 89% of secondary schools

…reported phishing attempts, often disguised as legitimate communications to trick users into revealing credentials or installing malicious software.

Ransomware: A Growing and Costly Threat

While less frequent than phishing, ransomware attacks are significantly more damaging when they occur. Some institutions have received ransom demands averaging £5.1 million, with recovery and restoration efforts reaching £3 million. These attacks can cause extended downtime, loss of learning, reputational damage, and financial strain.

Challenges Identified

1. Resource Constraints

Many schools operate on tight budgets, often relying on outdated software, unsupported operating systems, and hardware past its prime. This makes them particularly vulnerable to exploitation and limits their ability to adopt advanced security solutions.

2. Inadequate Cybersecurity Training

A lack of regular and comprehensive cybersecurity training leaves staff and students ill-equipped to recognise threats. This is especially problematic with phishing, where human error is often the weakest link.

3. Poor Preparedness and Response Planning

Only one-third of education providers have a formal cybersecurity policy, risk register, and business continuity plan in place. Without a structured incident response strategy, institutions risk severe disruption and extended recovery periods in the wake of an attack.

Recommendations for Improvement

1. Implement Robust Security Frameworks

Adopting industry-recognised standards such as ISO 27001 can help establish strong information security management systems. These frameworks provide a structured approach to identifying risks, implementing controls, and continuously improving cybersecurity resilience.

2. Strengthen Cyber Awareness Training

Regular training sessions for staff and students should be made mandatory. Key topics include recognising phishing attempts, using strong passwords, safe browsing, and incident reporting procedures. Training should evolve to reflect emerging threats.

3. Develop and Maintain Incident Response Plans

Education providers must establish clear, actionable incident response plans. These should include:

• Defined roles and responsibilities

• Communication strategies

• Data recovery procedures

• Ongoing testing and refinement

4. Upgrade Legacy Infrastructure

Investment in modern, secure systems is essential. Institutions should prioritise replacing unsupported software, patching vulnerabilities, and implementing up-to-date antivirus and firewall solutions. This may require collaboration with government or private partners to secure funding and resources.

Conclusion

The 2025 Cyber Security Breaches Survey serves as a wake-up call for the UK education sector. With threat actors becoming more sophisticated and breaches more costly, it is crucial that schools, colleges, and universities treat cybersecurity as a core priority—not an afterthought.

By addressing key vulnerabilities and adopting a proactive, well-resourced approach, education providers can significantly reduce risk and ensure continuity of learning in an increasingly digital world.

About ANSecurity

At ANSecurity, we understand the unique cybersecurity challenges facing the education sector. From robust technical solutions to expert consultancy and ongoing support, we tailor our services to ensure your institution remains secure, compliant, and prepared.

Get in touch today to learn how ANSecurity can help safeguard your educational environment against the evolving cyber threat landscape.