Reducing Cyber Security Risks in Schools

Security Audit: Understand Your Risk

Our in-depth security audit provides schools with a clear overview of their cybersecurity risk standing, empowering them to proactively address threats and mitigate potential damage. Developed over three years, our methodology focuses on the most critical areas of cybersecurity and data hygiene. We assess the sensitivity of your data, prioritising systems holding safeguarding information as highest risk. The result? A simple, traffic light summary document, easily understood by board members and readily applicable to key decision-making.

We understand that a security audit can seem daunting. That's why Censor Security has developed a streamlined, five-stage process to make the experience as smooth and effective as possible:

reducing cyber risks in schools

  • We collaborate closely with your IT lead to identify and document all systems within your academy's network that require testing. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive coverage and minimises disruption. We'll work with you to define the scope of the audit, ensuring it aligns with your specific needs and priorities.

  • Our experienced security professionals conduct a wide range of tests, focusing on applications and services that handle sensitive data and support critical business systems. This rigorous testing identifies vulnerabilities and assesses the effectiveness of your existing security controls. We prioritise systems containing sensitive or safeguarding data as these present the greatest risk to your trust.

  • You'll receive a clear, concise, and actionable report. This report summarises our findings, highlighting key vulnerabilities and their potential impact on your school. The report uses a simple "traffic light" system, making it easy for board members to understand the current security posture and prioritise remediation efforts.

  • We don't just identify problems—we help you solve them. Our consultant will advise on how to address or mitigate the identified issues. We discuss the findings in detail and answer any questions you may have. We'll work with your team to develop a practical remediation plan.

  • Once you've implemented the necessary changes, we'll conduct a follow-up review to validate the effectiveness of the remediation efforts. A final, updated report will be provided, again using the traffic light system, to show the areas of most concern and any outstanding remediation required. This report can be presented to trustees, demonstrating the progress made and the ongoing commitment to cybersecurity

FAQs

  • Schools hold sensitive data, making them targets. Censor Security offers comprehensive services, including cyber risk assessments and secure routine audits, to identify vulnerabilities and protect your school from potential breaches, ensuring compliance with DfE guidelines and safeguarding your school's reputation

  • External vulnerability scans identify weaknesses in your publicly accessible systems, like your website and email servers. Internal vulnerability scans delve deeper into your network, revealing hidden vulnerabilities within your internal systems. Both are vital for a complete security picture, and we offer both services at competitive prices, including a free external vulnerability scan for new clients.

  • We provide a thorough Cyber Essentials gap analysis, identifying areas where your current security measures fall short. We then guide you through the implementation process, ensuring you meet all requirements for certification.

  • Our cyber risk assessment provides a comprehensive overview of your school's security posture, identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities. We'll deliver a prioritised list of risks and actionable recommendations to mitigate them, helping you make informed decisions about your security investments.

  • We offer expert security remediation services, helping you address identified vulnerabilities quickly and effectively. Our consultants will guide you through the process, ensuring your systems are secure and compliant.

  • Our cyber awareness training, including engaging e-learning modules, empowers your staff to recognise and respond to cyber threats, reducing the risk of human error. We also offer simulated phishing campaigns to test and improve your staff's awareness.

  • Our services are designed to align with DfE guidelines and GDPR. We provide clear recommendations to help you achieve and maintain compliance.

  • Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your specific needs and provide a tailored quote. You can also claim your free external vulnerability scan.