Did you know that annual cyber security training for school staff is a requirement in the DfE Digital Standards for Schools and Colleges Cyber Security Standards Document?
Standard 4: You should protect accounts with access to personal or sensitive operational data and functions by multi-factor authentication:
Part of meeting this standard is to provide training to users unfamiliar with multi-factor authentication.
Standard 12: Train all staff with access to school IT networks in the basics of Cyber Security
The importance of meeting the standard
The most common forms of cyber attack rely on mistakes by staff members to be successful. Avoiding these mistakes prevents the attacks.
Basic cyber security knowledge amongst staff and governors is vital in promoting a more risk aware school culture.
How to meet the standard
Staff with access to your IT network must take basic cyber security training every year.
At least one member of the governing body should complete the training.
Remember that the training may change over time with changing cyber threats.
Technical requirements to meet the standard
Staff who require access to your IT network must take basic cyber security training every year. The training should be part of the induction training for new staff
This training should focus on:
- phishing
- password security
- social engineering
- the dangers of removable storage media
At least one current governor must complete the same basic cyber security training. These governors should read the NCSC publication school cyber security questions for governors
Many staff members have already completed the NCSC Cyber Security Training for School Staff training video. Other cyber training could be:
Password Security
Awareness through posters:
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Drip Feeds - posters
New Cyber Security Training
This week the ICO have published some videos about cyber security that are just a few minutes long:
What to do in the event of a cyber attack
First, follow your cyber response plan. Record the incident in your internal incident log, inform your governing board or trustees, and contact your Data Protection Officer (DPO) as soon as possible if personal data could be involved.
Incidents or attacks where a security breach may have taken place, or other damage was caused, should also be reported to an external body. The SLT digital lead is responsible for assigning someone to report any suspicious cyber incidents or attacks. This person will need to report to:
- Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud in December 2025, on 0300 123 2040 or through the Report Fraud website. Make sure it is recorded as a crime report so that you receive a crime reference number.
- the DfE sector cyber team at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You may also need to report to:
- the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) if the incident or attack causes long-term school closure, the closure of more than one school, or serious financial damage. If you're not sure who to report to, use the government's cyber incident signposting service.
- the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) within 72 hours of becoming aware of a personal data breach, unless the breach is unlikely to result in a risk to people's rights and freedoms. If the risk is high, you must also tell the people affected without undue delay. Your DPO can help you assess this. We will do this on behalf of DPE customers.
- the Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA) emergency assistance helpline on 0800 368 6378 or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , if you are an RPA member, or your cyber insurance provider if you have one - your local police force if you suspect a safeguarding impact
- any third-party service providers whose systems are affected, so they can be part of a coordinated response
- Jisc CSIRT, if you are part of a further education institution.
You must act in accordance with:
- Report Fraud's guide to reporting cyber crime and fraud
- Academy Trust Handbook Part 6, if you are part of an academy trust. Since September 2025, academy trusts must not pay any cyber ransom demands.
- the ICO's guidance on personal data breaches.
Preserve the evidence
Police investigations may find out whether any compromised data has been published or sold, and identify the perpetrator. Preserving evidence is as important as recovering from the crime. Keep a clear record of what happened, when, and what actions you took. The DfE's guidance on record keeping in an incident explains what to capture.
Reporting suspicious emails and texts
Forward suspicious emails to