Schools are studying cybersecurity yet still flunk recovery

"Schools and colleges hit by cyberattacks are taking longer to restore their networks - and the consequences are severe, with students' coursework being permanently lost in some cases. New figures from the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), which regulates school qualifications, examinations, and assessments in England, reveal a troubling trend: more teachers are receiving cybersecurity training, yet institutions struck by attacks are increasingly struggling to recover."

"Teacher training in the art of cybersecurity jumped from 61 percent during the 2023 to 2024 school year to 72 percent in 2024 to 2025. Despite this progress, recovery times have worsened significantly. The research shows only 55 percent of schools experiencing a "cyber incident" recovered "immediately" versus 63 percent in the prior academic year. More concerning still, the severity of attacks has intensified: 10 percent of affected schools reported critical damage - nearly double the 6 percent recorded the year before."

"Released during "Cybersecurity Awareness Month," the figures have prompted Ofqual to press schools to strengthen their cyber defenses. "Protection from malware and regular data backups are the most effective defense against these threats. Schools that maintain current, accessible backups can restore systems more quickly and avoid ransomware demands," said Amanda Swann, Ofqual's Executive Director of General Qualifications. "As schools become increasingly digital, robust cybersecurity measures protect both educational continuity and students' academic futures.""

Cyberattacks on schools and colleges are taking longer to restore, with some students' coursework permanently lost. Ofqual figures show teacher cybersecurity training rose from 61% in 2023–24 to 72% in 2024–25, but only 55% of affected schools recovered immediately, down from 63%. Ten percent reported critical damage, nearly double the prior 6%. Attacks forced staff to recreate schedules and resources, causing weeks of disruption to classes. Ofqual advises malware protection and regular, accessible backups to restore systems more quickly and avoid ransomware demands, stressing cybersecurity protects educational continuity and students' academic futures.

Read at Theregister