Did you know there is an increase in cyber attacks on a long weekend? Long weekends and holidays are 'peak season' for hackers who exploit reduced oversight.
A paper archive is a physical collection of documents, records and contracts stored in their original hard-copy form. This article discusses best practice guidance for keeping records, safe, secure and accessible - an archive is much more than just a 'storage unit'.
Schools are increasingly required to manage sensitive information in ways that balance transparency, fairness, and data protection. One area that frequently creates confusion is the difference between redaction undertaken for a Subject Access Request (SAR) and redaction applied when preparing documentation for a Permanent Exclusion (PEX) Review Panel. The Redaction Guide for PEX Panels has been introduced to address this issue and provide clear, practical guidance for staff.
We know the jargon can be confusing. As can the timelines for responding to the various requests that you receive. Whether it’s an email from a disgruntled parent or a letter from a solicitor, the clock starts ticking the moment it hits your inbox. But before you start pulling files, you must answer one critical question: What exactly are you looking at?
We're already seeing the leavers' hoodies when we're visiting schools and our help desk has received tickets asking about year book administration, so here's some best practice about 'Leaver's Memorabilia'.
📸✅ It's World Book Day on the 5th March when most schools will be celebrating reading and capturing photos of staff and students in their costumes. Given this is one of many significant photographic events in the calendar, we thought it was a good opportunity to remind everyone of photo and video best practice so there are no data protection slip ups.
A recent ICO reprimand for the Staines Health Group, shows the importance of how special category deserves specific protection. This article highlights the risks associated with 'data dumping' when organisations overshare sensitive information excessively - when the sharing of sensitive safeguarding becomes the safeguarding issue.
The SEROCU (South East Organised Crime Unit) has advised schools across Surrey and Sussex to be aware of a rise in M365 phishing emails.
We've had a few questions recently about parents and students recording conversations with members of staff, both covertly or overtly without seeking permission. This article only covers recordings made by external individuals, not organisations or individuals acting on behalf of an organisation.
The DfE previously issued training and guidance about the use of AI in Education - this has now changed to standards. Standards define minimum requirements that must be met, whereas a guideline offers recommended best practice or advice. The standards outline the safety standards that generative AI products and systems should meet to be used in educational settings.
Finding the right IT partner and support provider is a big decision. Due diligence for IT Support isn't just about who can 'fix computers', it's about ensuring standards are followed and they work with you to meet your organisation's strategy. Data Protection Education has a DfE IT Support Tracker and Supplier Due Diligence Directory to provide support and guidance as well as tracking your progress.
The Government Cyber Action Plan, published in January 2026, sets out a radical shift in how the UK public sector manages cyber security and digital resilience. It moves away from fragmented, siloed defences toward a "Defend as One" model led by a new Government Cyber Unit within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
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