News

Breaking news in blue text, cyber attack on south london school. AI generated image of school hall with lots of computers with padlocks on the screen

A high school in south London was closed for the first part of this term due to a ransomware attack.  Students were sent home advising parents that the school would be closed for three days while all staff devices were 'cleansed'.
Children at a laptop looking surprised, with computer code in the background. Data protection education logo on the laptop

Another school has been hit by a cyber attack, this time in Canvey Island, Essex, who say the cyber attack happened during the summer holidays.
Knowledge Bank update in blue text. data protection education logo. Orange and blue circles in the back ground. A phone and laptop with the knowledge Bank best practice area. Cyber security best practice in navy text on an orange circle

🛡️✅ Gone are the days when cyber security issues meant accidentally downloading a virus, it has grown to mean so much more, where data and identities are stolen, fraud is committed and businesses can be shut down from a cyber attack.  With that in mind we have created a cyber security best practice area to help guide and support your data protection compliance.
Knowledge Bank update in blue text. data protection education logo. Orange and blue circles in the back ground. A phone and laptop with the knowledge Bank best practice area. Schools and multi academy trusts best practice in navy text on an orange circle

We've put all the specific school and trust related data protection guides, documents and queries into one area to make it easier for you.

orange and blue circles. Computer screen with retention schedule update in navy text on an orange background. Knowledge Bank update in blue text. Data protection education logo.

We recognised that a number of our customers needed a generic retention schedule to help get them started with their records management.
Image generated by Microsoft copilot ai. Facial recognition on a student in a classroom. ICO reprimand in computer text. Data Protection Education logo

The ICO have issued a reprimand to a school that did not follow due diligence when introducing facial recognition technology (FRT).

Microsoft Copilot AI generated image of computers on a world with hackers by the side

The recent news has been full of the global IT outage that affected many systems over the weekend, including airlines and patient access.  Although the incident was not caused by a cyber attack, it is important to note that it was a cyber incident which affects everyone.

A cyber incident is an event with threatens the confidentiality, integrity or availability of information systems, networks or the information they contain.

Review our previous article:

Cyber incidents can be intentional or accidental and can cause major disruptions.  The recently reported CrowdStrike incident caused significant global disruption.  While there are huge impacts to the affected systems, for which there are now fixes available, there will be an aftermath of 'unrest' where threat actors will use people's vulnerability and concern to send phishing emails.

The NCSC has already reported an increased in phishing activity as opportunistic and malicious actors seek to take advantage of the situation.  The emails could be aimed at organisations or individuals.

The NCSC has released this guidance:

Organisations should review NCSC guidance to make sure that multi-layer phishing mitigations are in place, while individuals should be alert to suspicious emails or messages on this topic and know what to look for.

Their full report can be read here: NCSC Major IT Outage

We've made a short micro learning video for you to share with staff about how they might be affected by cyber incidents like this one:



View our other free micro learning videos!

Article images created using Microsoft Copilot AI.
Micro Learning video created using Vyond AI.

What to do in the event of a Cyber Attack 

Incidents or attacks where any security breaches may have taken place, or other damage was caused, should be reported to an external body. 

The SLT digital lead will be responsible for assigning someone to report any suspicious cyber incidents or attacks. This person will need to report this to: 

  • Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or the Report Fraud website 
  • 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: 

You must act in accordance with: 

Police investigations may find out if any compromised data has been published or sold and identify the perpetrator. 

Preserving evidence is as important as recovering from the crime.

Forward suspicious emails to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).

Little Guide to ACTION FRAUD

Large recycling bin with devices in, man in orange hoodie standing next to it. Secure data destruction sign on bin. Data Protection Education logo in the top left of the screen

Ageing and out of date technology is an every day challenge for most schools and small businesses, but is there a risk?
Why data retention matters in black text. Blue blobby man. Data Protection Education logo.

We are asked a lot about retention schedules and keeping file when a pupil moves onto another school.  

This short video explains the basics behind data retention and the implications of keeping data for longer than required.



  Knowledge Bank
We have a retention schedule on our Knowledge Bank portal where you can check the retention period for all types of files in  your organisation.

Visit our Records Management Best Practice Library for more advice and policy templates.

Consider email data retention covered in this article:


Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like us to do a data retention workshop in your organisation.

Robot hands typing on a laptop with the Data Protection Education logo on it, blue background

We've been asked by some of our customers what they need to consider when thinking about using AI to improve job efficiency as a time saving exercise or part of CPD, so staff related.
This article puts together some available resources as an initial step.
The vale federation logo on a white circle with the data protection education logo next to it, some cartoon books, pens and a clock and then the text in white on a navy background: school focus. The Vale Federation, a group of schools in Aylesbury

The Vale Federation is made up of two special schools, Booker Park and Stocklake Park who have worked with Data Protection Education for a number of years on compliance and data protection. They are based in Aylesbury and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
A White keyboard with a blue key with white text saying Subject Access Request

The DfE have recently published updates to their Data Protection toolkit.  Previously there had been very little guidance in the toolkit about how to respond to Subject Access Requests.  There is now a specific section on this and an extra update about responding to other data rights requests such as changing, deleting or restricting of personal information.
A hand typing on a laptop with an email envelope and heads coming off it to show sharing of information

The DfE recently updated their guidance for practitioners providing safeguarding services for children, young people, parents and carers.  We have highlighted the changes below and what that might mean regarding data protection and data sharing.

  1. Social Media Best Practice Area
  2. Lettings Best Practice Area
  3. MFA Bombing - What is it?
  4. Protecting your Social Media Accounts
  5. Product Focus on Checklists : Initial Trust Plan
  6. Product Focus on Checklists : End of Term Checklist
  7. Product Focus on Checklists : Information and Cyber Security
  8. Product Focus on Checklists : Social Media
  9. Cyber Incident Review: The Benefits
  10. Product Focus on Checklists : Lettings
  11. Product Focus on Checklists : Record of Processing
  12. Milk Island: The secret location that allows children to view restricted content on Google Maps
  13. Why Data Should Stay Put: Benefits of Keeping Data in Its Original System
  14. Product Focus on Checklists : Data Retention and Destruction
  15. Product Focus on Checklists : Data Migration
  16. Product Focus on Checklists : Biometrics
  17. Product Focus on Checklists : Supplier Due Diligence
  18. Free Cyber help, advice and training with the Cyber Resilience Centres
  19. The Perils of Paper: The Printing Vulnerability
  20. Product Focus on Checklists : FOI
  21. Product Focus on Checklists : Governors and Data
  22. Product Focus on Checklists : DPIA
  23. Product Focus on Checklists : Site Moves
  24. Product Focus on Checklists : Data Breaches
  25. Product Focus on Checklists : Subject Access Requests
  26. Cyber attack on a University
  27. Product Focus on Checklists : Bring your own device
  28. Product Focus on Checklists : Working out of school/offsite
  29. Cyber Attack on a School
  30. Product Focus on Checklists : Redaction
  31. Major cyber-criminal gang Lockbit brought down by UK Law Enforcement
  32. Why Due Diligence is Important: Fake apps
  33. Product Focus on Checklists : CCTV
  34. Product Focus on Checklists : Clear desk
  35. Product Focus on Checklists : Commitment to compliance
  36. Product Focus on Checklists : Photos and video
  37. Product Focus on Checklists : Passwords
  38. Product Focus on Checklists : Information Classification
  39. Safer Internet Day 2024
  40. Kent Councils Data Breach
  41. Free cyber training for staff
  42. DfE Digital Standards Update
  43. The Mother of all Breaches
  44. ClassCharts Possible Data Breach
  45. Where is your data stored?
  46. IAPP looks at AI privacy risks
  47. If you suspect a financial scam .....
  48. Guardians of Privacy: 16. Social Media Checklist
  49. Guardians of Privacy: 15. Navigating Social Media in Educational Settings Summary
  50. Guardians of Privacy: 14. Social Media and Cyber Bullying
  51. Guardians of Privacy: 13. Social Media, Copyright and Intellectual Property
  52. Guardians of Privacy: 12. Social Media and Going Viral
  53. Guardians of Privacy: 11. Staff Social Media Accounts
  54. Guardians of Privacy: 10. Social Media and Cookies
  55. Guardians of Privacy: 9. Social Media and Morality
  56. New Resources for Schools from the ICO
  57. Guardians of Privacy: 8. Social Media Policies
  58. Guardians of Privacy: 7. Social Media Data Retention
  59. Guardians of Privacy: 6. Posting Safely
  60. Guardians of Privacy: 5. Social Media and Consent
  61. Guardians of Privacy: 4. Social Media Access Control
  62. Guardians of Privacy: 3. Social Media Channels
  63. Guardians of Privacy: 2. Law and Regulations
  64. Latest ICO Reprimand. Mr. S. Claus, Chief Executive Officer, North Pole Enterprises
  65. Phishing attacks targeting schools - alert from City of London Police
  66. The ICO reprimands a Multi Academy Trust
  67. Guidance for the use of school email and applying email retention in schools
  68. CISA and UK NCSC Announce Joint Guidelines for Secure AI System Development
  69. Data Protection Tips for Early Years Settings
  70. Children's Privacy around the world is a puzzle
  71. Trust Initial Plan Checklist Update
  72. Update on Advisory for Rhysida Ransomware
  73. Records Management Best Practice Update
  74. The Crime in a Cyber Attack and a Data Breach
  75. What do I need to redact?
  76. NCSC Annual Review is published for 2023
  77. Learning from Data Breaches
  78. Windows 11 security ineffective against attacks on old devices
  79. Trust Initial Plan for Data Protection Compliance (for Multi Academy Trusts)
  80. International Counter Ransomware Initiative 2023 Joint Statement
  81. Google for Education Resources: Helping IT Admins meet DfE digital and technology standards
  82. Top Ten Cyber Security Misconfigurations
  83. Lettings Best Practice and Guidance
  84. ICO Reprimand: company suffered a ransomware attack
  85. The UK Online Safety Bill becomes an Act (Law)
  86. Considerations when migrating to a new MIS
  87. The importance of software updates (PaperCut vulnerability and Rhysida ransomware)
  88. Public bodies and sensitive data
  89. Adding offline bulk training using the Certificates function
  90. Ransomware, extortion and the cyber crime ecosystem
  91. Get a DPE Badge for your website!
  92. ICO: 10 Step guide to sharing information to safeguard children
  93. Cyber Resource: The Cyber Resilience Centre Group
  94. Email and Security: ICO recent guidance
  95. Help after a Cyber Attack/Incident
  96. Social Media Policy
  97. Data Protection and Cyber Security (Inset Day) Training Ideas
  98. Changes to Microsoft Free Licensing for Schools
  99. What to do in the event of a Cyber Attack
  100. Cyber Crime: AI Generated Phishing Attacks
  101. Handling Freedom of Information Requests the right way
  102. Cyber Attack: Exam Boards
  103. VICE SOCIETY - Ransomware attacks on schools
  104. Using Tags if you are a group of organisations in the DPE Knowledge Bank
  105. Where's Harry the Hacker?
  106. Be Cyber Aware: USB Sticks
  107. Cyber Insurance in the Public Sector
  108. Types of Cyber Attacks: DDos Attack (Microsoft DDoS Attack in June)
  109. Cyber Attack: Leytonstone School
  110. The ICO Reprimands a school
  111. Be Cyber Aware: Firewalls
  112. Be Cyber Aware: Cyber attacks and transparency. A no blame culture
  113. Cyber Attack: Dorchester School
  114. Knowledge Bank Role Types: Admin, Staff and Trustee
  115. Types of Cyber Attacks: Password Attacks
  116. Be Cyber Aware: Why regular software updates are important
  117. Cyber Attack: Wiltshire School
  118. Keeping your IT systems safe and secure
  119. Types of Cyber Attacks: DDoS Attacks
  120. Types of Cyber Attacks: Phishing
  121. Types of Cyber Attacks: The Insider Threat
  122. Why your data is profitable to cyber criminals
  123. Using WhatsApp in Schools
  124. The Changes to Data Protection in the UK
  125. Knowledge Bank Updates
  126. Types of malware and how they are linked to data protection
  127. Striking Data Breach
  128. IPR Protection Email Scam
  129. Windows Server 2012 & 2012 R2 Retirement
  130. How to contact us for support, subject access requests, data breaches and FOI's
  131. YouTube breached child protection laws
  132. How a school fought back after a cyberattack
  133. Types of Cyber Attacks - Credential Stuffing
  134. January Cyber update - How Can Schools Help Prevent Cyber Attacks?
  135. Assigning courses to staff using to-dos
  136. How the Record of Processing Can Help You
  137. Information Security Basics: What are VPN's?
  138. What does a Data Protection Officer Do?
  139. Are you ready for a Data Breach?
  140. Carrying out Supplier Due Diligence
  141. How Long Should You Keep Personal Data For?
  142. The Education sector now at highest risk of cyber attacks
  143. How to Assess your Data Security
  144. Schools Blocked from Using Facial Recognition Systems
  145. The Children's Code
  146. B&H FoI: Racist/religious incidents/bullying
  147. Cyber Attacks
  148. Protocol for Setting Up and Delivery of Online Teaching and Learning
  149. Class Dojo International Data Sharing
  150. Model Publication Scheme: Amendments, Improvements and Updates
  151. Child friendly privacy notices
  152. Transparency
  153. Secure file transfer of files using Royal Mail
  154. Emergency contacts and consent
  155. Key elements of a successful DPIA
  156. FOI Publication Schemes
  157. SHARE: Avoid disinformation online
  158. Best Practice for Managing Photos and Video
  159. New Drip Feeds: Recognise and Respond to Subject Access Request
  160. When to contact the Data Protection Officer?
  161. National child measurement programme
  162. Compliance Manager released
  163. Headteacher fined for breach of data protection legislation
  164. Emails – good practice and minimising the risk of a data breach

Subcategories

General news

Information/Cyber Security

Knowledge Bank Updates

Best Practice Updates

Legal

Events & Podcasts

©2026 Data Protection Education Ltd.

Search

Keep in the Know!

Get our latest news directly to your inbox

Privacy notice