Lessons Not Learned? Ransomware Rising in UK Education

Despite repeated warnings and high-profile attacks, ransomware continues to surge across the UK education sector. From primary schools to universities, institutions are finding themselves increasingly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals.

A Growing Problem

Ransomware attacks in UK education have more than doubled in recent years, and the trend shows no signs of slowing. According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), attackers are actively targeting schools and colleges due to their often limited cybersecurity resources and reliance on IT systems for daily operations.

In many cases, these attacks are not just disruptive—they’re devastating. Institutions have suffered the loss of years’ worth of student data, cancelled classes, and even prolonged closures. And yet, similar vulnerabilities keep being exploited time and again.

Why Is Education So Vulnerable?

Outdated IT Infrastructure

Many educational institutions operate on tight budgets, making it difficult to upgrade ageing systems. Older operating systems, unsupported software, and patchwork networks offer easy entry points for attackers.

Limited Cybersecurity Awareness

Teachers, admin staff, and students often lack training in basic cyber hygiene. Simple mistakes—like clicking on a phishing email or using weak passwords—can open the floodgates to an attack.

High-Value Data

Student records, financial details, staff information—education databases are a goldmine for cybercriminals. The urgency to recover this data makes institutions more likely to pay a ransom, despite warnings against it.

Reactive, Not Proactive, Approach

Many schools only start to think seriously about cybersecurity after a breach. Without a dedicated IT security team or incident response plan, their ability to prevent and respond to threats is severely hampered.

Consequences Beyond the Classroom

The impact of ransomware goes far beyond temporary IT disruption. Affected schools face:

• Financial loss from ransom payments, recovery costs, and reputational damage

• Legal repercussions related to data protection laws and GDPR

• Emotional toll on staff and students who lose work, data, or valuable learning time

In a sector already under immense pressure—from funding cuts to pandemic recovery—the additional burden of cyberattacks is not sustainable.

What Needs to Change?

The tools and advice to prevent ransomware are widely available, yet many institutions fail to act. Here’s what must change:

Prioritise Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Schools and colleges must treat it as part of their core infrastructure, just like plumbing or electricity.

Educate Everyone

Basic cybersecurity awareness should be mandatory for all staff and students. Understanding phishing, password hygiene, and safe browsing habits can significantly reduce risk.

Regular Backups

Routine, encrypted, and offline backups ensure data can be restored without paying a ransom. Backups should be tested frequently.

Incident Response Plans

Every institution should have a clear, rehearsed plan for responding to cyber incidents. This includes identifying roles, communicating with stakeholders, and recovering systems.

Use Available Resources

The NCSC offers free tools, guidance, and even training tailored to the education sector. Ignoring these resources leaves institutions needlessly vulnerable.

Final Thoughts

The rise of ransomware in UK education isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a wake-up call. It reflects a broader need to take cybersecurity seriously, to invest in people and systems, and to stop treating cyber threats as someone else’s problem.

Education is about preparing for the future. But how can we do that if we’re constantly repeating the same mistakes?

Concerned about your school’s cyber resilience?
Let’s have a conversation about affordable, practical steps to protect your data, staff, and students—before the next attack hits.