By Gavin Mackintosh-
The British Government has warned academy trusts in the Uk to be alert against cyber attacks According to an update published today by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, some trusts have also “already experienced incidents of fraud”.Data from the Information Commissioner’s Office reveals that the number of cyber-attacks on schools have risen by 69 % in the last year. 26 cyber attacks were reported between July and September 2017, there were 26 such reports.
Cyber attacks on schools can be used to disrupt the usual flow of education in a school, but also to obtain private data which could be used for fraudulent purposes. Private information can be used to reproduce identity of pupils and send abroad for students who wish to come to the Uk to study and live. Many countries value the education system in the Uk because of the wide availability of facilities, and the higher academic standards in Britain’s best private and state schools.
Individuals with similar genetic features as pupils in the Uk can become an imposta, using these details to travel abroad and pretend to be someone else. It also means that any liability that accrues to them could be passed on to the true identity holder of private details. Academy trusts like all school, store details of their pupils full name, addresses, and post codes, making it easy for fraudsters to pretend to be them. A statement from the ESFA read:
“We are aware of a significant increase in incidents of cyber crime against academy trusts in the past year and that some of you have already experienced incidents of fraud.” “You should therefore have addressed potential internal control and procedural weaknesses to reduce further risks arising.”Leaders are urged to “familiarise” themselves with government guidance on reducing risk of financial irregularities and “take any necessary action to improve your counter fraud arrangements”.“Fraud, theft and irregularity are a constant risk to public funds. The government estimates that fraud costs the public sector between £31bn and £49bn per year.”
Academy trusts are advised to use firewalls, antivirus software and strong passwords, routinely back up data and train staff to ensure they check emails are from genuine senders and understand the risks of using public wifi and not following payment checks and measures.