Cybercrime is no longer a problem confined to large corporations or government departments. UK schools and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly becoming prime targets for cyberattacks. These organisations often hold sensitive data—such as pupil records, payroll information, or commercial contracts—but lack the time, expertise, or resources to protect themselves adequately.
According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, half of UK businesses and more than two-thirds of schools experienced a cyber incident within the last 12 months. The most common forms of attack remain phishing emails, ransomware, and unauthorised access to systems. The threat is not theoretical—these are real-world attacks causing real-world damage.
Why Are Schools and Businesses Being Targeted?
Schools are particularly vulnerable because some still rely on outdated IT infrastructure and under-resourced internal IT support. In fact, 71% of UK secondary schools reported at least one breach in the last year, many lacking the capacity to recover quickly or at all. Ransomware has even forced some schools to cancel classes and shut down operations temporarily.
SMEs, meanwhile, are often seen by cybercriminals as an easier win than larger firms with advanced cyber defences. Many SMEs operate without dedicated IT staff, fail to train their employees adequately, and underestimate their own risk. A 2024 study revealed that 77% of UK businesses lack basic internal security measures, and one in three leaders believe a cyber-attack would have minimal impact on their business—a dangerously inaccurate assumption.
Real-World Consequences
Recent attacks such as the British Library cyberattack show just how disruptive and costly these breaches can be. That incident took critical systems offline for weeks, compromised data, and resulted in extensive financial and reputational damage. For SMEs and schools, a similar attack could be financially ruinous—and in some cases, fatal to the organisation.
Cybersecurity is not optional. It’s business critical.
Eight Practical Steps to Reduce Your Cyber Risk
Thankfully, there are proven and manageable steps that schools and Businesses can take to protect themselves—no jargon, no unnecessary complexity, just practical guidance.
1. Back Up Data Regularly
Create backups of essential data and store them securely offline or in a trusted cloud service. Test your backups regularly to ensure they work and can be restored quickly in the event of an attack.
2. Train Your Team
Human error is behind most successful cyberattacks. Provide simple, regular training to staff on how to spot phishing emails, create strong passwords, and handle data securely.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Avoid password reuse across platforms. Implement a password policy that enforces length, complexity, and uniqueness. Encourage the use of password managers to help staff follow best practice without added stress.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of protection. Even if a password is compromised, attackers still can’t access systems without a second factor—such as a code sent to a mobile device.
5. Keep Software Updated
Ensure that all devices, operating systems, and applications are updated regularly. Most cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities that are already patched by vendors—if you apply the updates.
6. Install Firewalls and Antivirus Tools
Use reputable antivirus software and configure firewalls to limit unauthorised access to your network. These tools act as your first line of defence and are essential even for smaller organisations.
7. Control Access to Sensitive Data
Apply the principle of least privilege—only give users access to the data and systems they need to perform their job. This limits the damage if an account is compromised.
8. Develop an Incident Response Plan
Know what you would do if an attack occurred. A good response plan outlines how to identify an incident, who to notify, how to contain the threat, and how to recover operations as quickly as possible.
Building a Security Culture
Cybersecurity isn’t just about technology—it’s about behaviour. Fostering a culture of vigilance, where staff feel empowered to ask questions and report suspicious activity, is one of the most effective defences an organisation can develop.
Leadership must set the tone. When cybersecurity is treated as a shared responsibility – rather than a tech issue left to “someone else” – the entire organisation becomes stronger and more resilient.
How Link ICT Can Help
At Link ICT, we specialise in supporting UK schools and businesses in building practical, affordable, and robust cybersecurity frameworks. We understand that not every organisation has an in-house IT team or the budget for enterprise-level tools – but that doesn’t mean you should be left vulnerable.
Our services include:
- Security Audits – Identifying your biggest risks and offering practical recommendations.
- Staff Training – Equipping your team with the knowledge to prevent common cyber incidents.
- Firewall & Endpoint Security – Providing and managing core defences tailored to your needs.
- Ongoing Support & Monitoring – Keeping your systems secure with proactive oversight.
If you’re unsure where to begin—or suspect your organisation may already have gaps—we can help you take the first step.
Protect your school or business today. Contact us to book a free initial consultation.
