Introduction
Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) face unique cybersecurity challenges as they manage multiple schools under a single governance structure. With centralised IT systems, shared data, and increasing digitalisation, MATs have become prime targets for cybercriminals. Ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches are on the rise in the education sector, with hackers exploiting weaknesses in school networks.
A successful cyber attack on a MAT can lead to disruption across multiple schools, financial loss, and compromised student data. This guide outlines best practices for securing MAT networks, protecting sensitive information, and ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and Department for Education (DfE) cybersecurity guidance.
1️⃣ Why Cybersecurity is Critical for Multi-Academy Trusts
MATs centralise key operations such as IT, finance, HR, and student record management, making them a high-value target for cybercriminals.
📌 Key Risks for MATs:
✅ Ransomware Attacks – Hackers encrypt school data and demand payment to restore access.
✅ Phishing & Social Engineering – Cybercriminals impersonate school leaders or suppliers to trick staff into handing over login details.
✅ Unauthorised Access to Student Data – Weak authentication controls can expose sensitive student records.
✅ Supply Chain Vulnerabilities – MATs rely on third-party software, cloud services, and EdTech providers, increasing risk.
💡 A cyber attack on one school can spread across the entire trust, affecting multiple institutions at once.
2️⃣ Cybersecurity Challenges Specific to Multi-Academy Trusts
🔹 1. Centralised IT Systems: A Double-Edged Sword
MATs benefit from centralised IT infrastructure for efficiency, but this also means a single point of failure can disrupt all schools within the trust.
Common Risks:
- If one school is breached, the attacker may gain access to the entire trust’s network.
- Cloud-based learning platforms can become entry points for cyber threats.
- Inconsistent security policies across schools increase risk.
🛡️ How to Reduce Risk:
✔ Segment networks – Separate admin, student, and teacher access to reduce attack spread.
✔ Adopt a Zero Trust security model – Never assume internal traffic is safe.
✔ Ensure cloud services are configured securely and restrict access to critical systems.
🔹 2. Managing Cybersecurity Across Multiple Schools
Each school within a MAT may have different levels of cybersecurity maturity, making consistent security enforcement challenging.
Common Risks:
- Schools may use different software with varying security controls.
- Lack of centralised policies means some schools may have weaker security.
- Staff awareness varies, increasing the risk of human error.
🛡️ How to Reduce Risk:
✔ Standardise cybersecurity policies across all schools in the trust.
✔ Conduct regular cyber awareness training for all staff and governors.
✔ Use a centralised security monitoring system to detect threats across all schools.
🔹 3. Protecting Student & Staff Data (UK GDPR Compliance)
MATs handle large volumes of personal data, including:
- Student names, addresses, and medical information.
- Parental contact details and payment records.
- Staff HR information, payroll data, and DBS checks.
Common Risks:
- Unsecured data storage leading to breaches.
- Sharing sensitive data via email without encryption.
- Weak access controls allowing unauthorised staff to view personal records.
🛡️ How to Reduce Risk:
✔ Encrypt student and staff data to prevent unauthorised access.
✔ Limit access permissions based on job role—staff should only see what they need.
✔ Ensure third-party EdTech providers comply with UK GDPR before sharing data.
💡 Fines for non-compliance with GDPR can be severe—MATs must prioritise data security.
🔹 4. Ransomware Threats to MATs
Ransomware attacks against schools have increased, with cybercriminals targeting MATs due to their centralised systems and reliance on digital platforms.
Common Risks:
- Attackers encrypt school records and demand payment to unlock them.
- Loss of access to learning platforms, disrupting lessons.
- Financial and reputational damage to the entire trust.
🛡️ How to Reduce Risk:
✔ Implement robust backup solutions – Ensure backups are stored offline and in multiple locations.
✔ Train staff to spot phishing emails, a common ransomware entry point.
✔ Use endpoint protection to detect and block malware before it spreads.
3️⃣ Best Practices for Strengthening Cybersecurity in MATs
✅ 1. Develop a MAT-Wide Cybersecurity Strategy
- Create a centralised cybersecurity policy that all schools must follow.
- Assign a designated cybersecurity lead at the trust level.
- Ensure regular cybersecurity reporting to governors.
✅ 2. Standardise Security Controls Across All Schools
- Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for staff accessing sensitive systems.
- Use firewalls and intrusion detection to monitor for cyber threats.
- Apply automatic patching and updates across all IT systems.
✅ 3. Conduct Cyber Awareness Training for Staff & Students
- Train teachers, admin staff, and students on cyber hygiene best practices.
- Run phishing simulations to test staff awareness.
- Encourage a culture of cybersecurity responsibility at all levels.
✅ 4. Strengthen Incident Response & Backup Strategies
- Create a ransomware response plan to quickly contain and recover from attacks.
- Ensure data backups are tested regularly for quick restoration.
- Develop a communication plan for notifying parents and stakeholders in case of an attack.
✅ 5. Implement Third-Party Risk Management
- Vet EdTech providers, cloud services, and IT suppliers for security compliance.
- Ensure third parties follow UK GDPR, Cyber Essentials, and ISO 27001 standards.
- Regularly review and audit supplier security controls.
💡 A strong cybersecurity strategy must be proactive—waiting until an attack happens is too late.
Final Thoughts: Cybersecurity is a Leadership Priority for MATs
Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue—it is a strategic priority for MAT leaders, governors, and school executives. With increasing cyber threats, regulatory obligations, and reputational risks, MATs must take a proactive approach to protecting their schools, staff, and students.
🔹 Key Takeaways for Multi-Academy Trusts:
✔ A single cyber attack can impact multiple schools in a MAT—centralised security is essential.
✔ Phishing, ransomware, and weak data protection practices are key risks.
✔ Standardising cybersecurity policies across schools improves resilience.
✔ Training staff and implementing security controls can prevent most cyber incidents.
By investing in strong cybersecurity policies, training, and technology, MATs can secure their digital infrastructure, protect sensitive data, and maintain trust with parents, staff, and students.
📢 What’s Next?
💡 Next in the series: “Compliance vs. Resilience: The New Era of Supply Chain Security” (w/c 23 April).
Would you like a cybersecurity risk assessment for your MAT? Get in touch today. 🚀
