In the wake of remote learning and digital transformation, schools across the UK have embraced educational technology at speed. From homework portals and classroom tools to communication platforms and virtual learning environments, EdTech is now part of everyday school life.
But while these tools bring flexibility and engagement, they also introduce new risks — ones many schools are not yet equipped to manage.
What Makes EdTech Risky?
While most EdTech platforms are built with good intentions, they’re not always built with good security. Risks include:
📱 Unvetted third-party apps – Teachers often adopt tools independently, bypassing IT checks.
🔐 Weak access controls – Shared logins, poor password practices, and inconsistent role-based permissions.
📤 Data leakage – Platforms storing pupil names, photos, academic history, and even health notes, often without robust encryption.
🔗 Shadow integrations – EdTech tools linking to cloud services like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive, sometimes without consent or visibility.
🧑🎓 Student misuse – The boundary between education and personal tech is blurred. Many students access these platforms unsupervised.
Common Pitfalls We See in Schools
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No centralised list of all digital platforms in use
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No standard approach to vetting or approving new tools
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Lack of training for staff on what constitutes secure use
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Over-reliance on vendor claims about security and compliance
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Limited oversight of how third-party platforms handle data
Five Steps Schools Can Take Right Now
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Create a digital platform inventory
Know what’s in use. Ask staff, check browsers, and review login histories. -
Assess vendors for cyber risk
Are they Cyber Essentials certified? Do they store data in the UK? Have they had a breach? -
Implement access management policies
Role-based access, regular password updates, and no more “whole school” shared accounts. -
Review data sharing agreements
Ensure suppliers meet the school’s obligations under GDPR and safeguarding. -
Educate the educators
Provide simple, scenario-based training to help teachers spot risky practices and take action.
How Cyber Tzar Can Help
Cyber Tzar helps schools and multi-academy trusts assess, monitor, and manage cyber risk across their growing digital estate.
✅ Scan public-facing systems for vulnerabilities
✅ Benchmark your school’s risk posture against others in the sector
✅ Assess EdTech suppliers for cyber hygiene and compliance
✅ Identify data exposures and misconfigured services before they become breaches
We help school leaders get clarity on their cyber risk — no jargon, no sales pitch, just insight.
🏫 Want to assess the risk of your EdTech ecosystem?
Start your free scan at cybertzar.com
