Cyber Security for Schools
As a UK-based IT service provider, we specialise in delivering Cyber Security for schools and educational institutions across the UK.
Cyber Security for Schools
70% of Secondary Schools and 88% of Further Education Colleges identified data breaches or cyber-attacks compared to 39% of UK Businesses, according to a recent government report. Cyber-attacks against schools can take many forms, the most common attack being a phishing email, followed by online impersonation, then viruses, spyware, or malware.
With cyber threats constantly evolving and becoming more frequent and sophisticated, it is crucial for schools to take cyber security seriously. Investing in advanced multi-layered security measures beyond traditional approaches is essential.
Our Cyber Security Services for Schools include
Protect teacher and pupil data by ensuring the security of end-user devices (phones and laptops etc) accessing your network. Our Endpoint Security Solutions offer comprehensive monitoring of all endpoints, whether in school or remote, ensuring full transparency of your online environment, regardless of the location of your pupils and staff.
With our Endpoint Security and Compliance your school’s devices are protected and monitored 24/7. Meaning malicious activity is detected and remedied before malware is deployed.
Empower your faculty and students with Sharp's specialised range of IT Support services tailored specifically for schools. Allow our team to take charge of your entire IT infrastructure by recruiting, training, and overseeing your dedicated IT Manager or team, which we recommend for larger institutions such as Multi-Academy Trusts. We proactively monitor your on-premise or cloud-based IT systems, implement robust cyber security measures, manage large-scale projects, and ensure reliable data backups.
In addition, this service includes a 24/7 Remote Overflow Helpdesk to ensure that all queries can be promptly answered and resolved should your IT manager be occupied elsewhere within your organisation.
Did you know, the average cost of downtime because of a ransomware attack is £206,400 and on average, organisations that paid the ransom got back just 65% of the encrypted files, leaving over one-third of their data inaccessible.
Sharp’s Cyber Security Audit offers schools invaluable insights into their current security position, allowing them to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cyber criminals.
Benefit from a comprehensive understanding of your school's IT landscape through our Cyber Security Audit service. By conducting a thorough assessment of six key areas, we identify high-risk issues that could expose you to cyber-attacks.
These include:
1. Internal Infrastructure Review
2. Microsoft 365 Phishing and Impersonation
3. Dark Web Scan
4. Microsoft 365 Security Review
5. Copilot Readiness Assessment
6. Cyber Essential Gap Analysis
We highlight potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities across your IT environment, while strengthening your defences against potential future threats.
Cyber Essentials is a simple and effective Government-backed scheme that schools of all sizes can use to help protect themselves against most internet-based threats. The scheme is particularly useful for schools, highlighting how they can protect themselves, their employees, and their data, from unauthorised access and theft.
We’ll guide you through the accreditation process by drawing upon our wealth of IT expertise. We recognise the cyber security threats faced by UK educational institutions and we know how to ensure an IT operation is secure, let us guide you through the steps needed for you to become Cyber Essentials certified.
In addition, we also offer our Cyber Essentials as a Service (CEaaS) to help schools achieve and maintain year-round compliance with the Cyber Essentials standards. By partnering with Sharp, schools can focus on teaching while ensuring that their cyber security is in good hands.
Safeguard your pupil data, systems, and staff with a resilient backup and disaster recovery plan. A Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan is essential for maintaining uninterrupted operations and limiting downtime in the face of disasters.
Our automated, verified backups stored locally and in the secure Cloud are the best defence for protecting your organisation’s data.
We ensure a secure duplication of your IT infrastructure both onsite and in the cloud. In the case of a significant outage or disaster, you have the option to swiftly restore or reboot using the local image. Alternatively, you can seamlessly continue operations in the cloud using the image on different hardware while your infrastructure is being reestablished.
Adopt a strong culture of cyber awareness and good cyber hygiene within your school through our tailored training approach. We offer security training and phishing simulations to empower your staff, transforming them from potential vulnerabilities to your organisation's first line of defence.
The Security Awareness Service includes an initial assessment, where all applicable team members will be tested on their knowledge against:
• Incident Reporting
• Internet Use
• Social Media
• Email Security
• Passwords and Authentication
• Mobile Devices
• Human Firewalls
Our Diverse Client Base
We serve a wide range of educational institutions, from primary schools to higher education and multi academy trusts. With our extensive experience, we are well-equipped to help your educational institution thrive.
Tailored Cyber Security Solutions for Educational Institutions
We recognise the pivotal role of IT Solutions and Cyber Security in achieving educational excellence, however, we also understand the budgetary constraints faced by educational establishments. As schools’ curriculums evolve, your technological needs may change, from Endpoint Security on a handful of individual devices to a comprehensive infrastructure with dedicated IT support and additional educational tools.
At Sharp, we collaborate closely with you to gain a full understanding of your unique requirements and design adaptable and scalable solutions. Whether you require firewall protection or supplementary IT support, we offer a wide range of cost-effective options that can be customised as your needs change.
We provide a diverse range of Cyber Security services to safeguard against ever-evolving cyber threats, including user awareness training, incident response, and backup and disaster recovery. Assisting you in protecting your systems, sensitive data, pupils, and staff.
Working as your IT advisors, our teams consult and cooperate with you to enhance overall educational performance and compliance. We guide you through transformations with comprehensive project management and clear, user-friendly advice, enabling you to fully embrace digital innovation and achieve your educational objectives. Our expert team caters to all your infrastructure, educational applications, continuity, and security needs, ensuring the fulfillment of your ongoing educational and technical requirements.
Cyber Security Support for IT Managers & Internal Teams
We understand that IT managers and internal IT teams in schools encounter difficulties in integrating new technologies for Cyber Security. Insufficient technical expertise and a lack of resource can cause delays in IT projects and create vulnerabilities within cyber security. This is where we step in.
We seamlessly integrate with your team to enhance your internal resources, technical capabilities, and skill set. Our services include IT Support, IT Consultancy, 24/7 Support and Helpdesk, and Project Management. By leveraging our resources, workforce, and advanced expertise, we enhance your internal efficiencies and deliver exceptional service to your school.
Cyber Security Solutions for Multi Academy Trusts & Higher Education
For larger educational organisations such as Multi-Academy Trusts and Higher Education, we offer trusted support to empower your people and optimise your processes. With Cyber Security from a trusted global brand like Sharp, you can ensure secure, scalable, and dependable IT systems that adapt to your changing requirements.
Partnering with Sharp as your Cyber Security Services provider means close collaboration to implement resilient and innovative IT solutions with industry-leading cyber security solutions.
Our Account Manager is supportive and proactive in prompting the school to make forward-thinking decisions to support an effective digital strategy.Joan Deslandes OBE, Head Teacher
Our relationship with Sharp isn’t just about the technical expertise, it’s also the understanding of our business and our priorities. I really trust their advice and we work together to introduce changes that are appropriate and enhance the IT systems.Mark Price, IT Manager
4EI have seen real value in the Cyber Security Support Service, which is managed by Sharp, especially with the VPN and being able to access the server securely from anywhere, at any time, which is critical when working from home.Richard Flemmings, Chief Technology Officer
Why Choose Sharp as your Cyber Security Partner?
Sharp has decades of experience in providing IT solutions to educational institutions across the UK. We understand that each school has unique needs, and we will provide tailored solutions for every client we work with.
Our experienced teams of consultants, technicians, and engineers deliver personalised and professional service in all educational environments. We offer a broad range of award-winning technologies that simplify your work processes and enable you to focus on what you do best. As a trusted service provider, we make technology easy and provide the expertise necessary to keep your educational establishment running smoothly 24/7.
