Introduction: Schools Are a Prime Target for Phishing Attacks
Cybercriminals love targeting schools. Why? Because schools manage sensitive student data, rely on digital platforms, and often have weaker cybersecurity protections than enterprises.
Phishing attacks—the #1 method used by hackers to breach school systems—are becoming more sophisticated, tricking staff, students, and even parents into revealing login credentials, downloading malware, or wiring funds to attackers.
🔹 In 2023, over 80% of UK schools reported experiencing cyber incidents—and phishing was a primary attack vector.
🔹 Ransomware gangs increasingly use phishing emails to gain access to school networks.
🔹 Cybercriminals exploit the rapid adoption of cloud-based learning tools and email-based communication.
In this article, we’ll explore how phishing attacks work in schools, the latest tactics cybercriminals use, and what schools can do to protect staff and students.
1️⃣ How Do Phishing Attacks Work in Schools?
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack where cybercriminals trick people into revealing sensitive information, clicking malicious links, or downloading harmful attachments.
Here’s how these attacks typically unfold in schools:
🔹 Step 1: The Attacker Sends a Convincing Email
- Often disguised as an urgent message from the headteacher, IT support, or a government education authority.
- Could request password resets, financial transactions, or document downloads.
🔹 Step 2: The Victim Clicks a Malicious Link or Attachment
- Clicking leads to a fake login page that steals credentials.
- Opening an attachment installs malware or ransomware.
🔹 Step 3: The Attacker Gains Access to School Networks
- Attackers use stolen credentials to access school email accounts, cloud systems (Google Classroom, Microsoft 365), and financial systems.
- They may spread malware, steal student data, or escalate privileges to launch larger attacks.
💡 Cybercriminals prey on trust and urgency—staff and students must be trained to recognise these threats.
2️⃣ The Most Common Phishing Tactics Targeting Schools
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their phishing tactics. Here are the most common attack types hitting schools today:
🔹 1. Fake IT Support Emails
📌 How it works:
🚨 “Your school email account will be deactivated. Click here to reset your password.”
🚨 “Urgent: Your Microsoft 365 account has been locked. Verify your details.”
💡 Impact:
- Victims enter their real login credentials into a fake page, giving attackers access to school systems.
- Attackers use these accounts to send further phishing emails or steal sensitive student records.
🔹 2. BEC (Business Email Compromise) Targeting Headteachers & Finance Staff
📌 How it works:
🚨 “Hi Sarah, can you process an urgent payment for school supplies today? I’m in a meeting and can’t talk. Please send the funds ASAP. Thanks, Headteacher.”
💡 Impact:
- Impersonating senior staff members, attackers trick school finance teams into making unauthorised payments.
- This tactic has stolen millions from schools globally.
🔹 3. Parent Payment Scams
📌 How it works:
🚨 “Your child’s school trip payment is due. Please click the link below to pay securely.”
💡 Impact:
- Parents are tricked into paying cybercriminals instead of the school.
- Attackers set up fake websites that look identical to school portals.
🔹 4. Ransomware Deployment via Phishing Emails
📌 How it works:
🚨 “Urgent: Update required for your school’s software. Open the attached file.”
💡 Impact:
- Schools unknowingly download ransomware, which locks systems and demands a ransom payment to restore access.
- UK schools have paid thousands in ransom demands, often because backups weren’t available.
3️⃣ The Consequences of a Phishing Attack on a School
The impact of a successful phishing attack can be severe. Here’s what schools risk:
❌ Loss of Sensitive Student & Staff Data – Attackers steal grades, medical records, and personal details, leading to GDPR violations.
❌ Financial Fraud – Schools may transfer money to cybercriminals, and parents may fall victim to fake payment scams.
❌ Disruption of Learning – Ransomware attacks can take down school networks for weeks, disrupting lessons.
❌ Reputational Damage – Schools that suffer data breaches lose the trust of parents, staff, and local authorities.
💡 Cybercriminals see schools as easy targets—proactive security measures are essential.
4️⃣ How Schools Can Prevent Phishing Attacks
✅ 1. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on All School Accounts
🔹 Even if staff fall for phishing emails, MFA prevents attackers from accessing school accounts.
🔹 Enable MFA on Microsoft 365, Google Classroom, finance systems, and cloud platforms.
✅ 2. Train Staff & Students to Recognise Phishing Emails
🔹 Run phishing simulation exercises to test staff awareness.
🔹 Educate students on how attackers target them via social media & gaming platforms.
🔹 Remind staff to verify financial transactions with a phone call, not just email.
✅ 3. Block & Monitor Suspicious Email Activity
🔹 Use email security solutions that detect phishing attempts.
🔹 Enable automatic flagging of emails from unknown senders.
🔹 Block common phishing keywords and known malicious domains.
✅ 4. Keep Systems & Software Up to Date
🔹 Unpatched systems make phishing attacks easier—keep email servers, browsers, and learning platforms updated.
🔹 Restrict staff from downloading unauthorised software that could contain malware.
✅ 5. Have an Incident Response Plan for Phishing Attacks
🔹 What should staff do if they fall for a phishing email?
🔹 Who should they report it to?
🔹 What steps will IT take to secure compromised accounts?
💡 A strong incident response plan reduces the damage of a successful attack.
5️⃣ Final Thoughts: Schools Must Prioritise Phishing Defence
Phishing attacks are one of the most common and damaging cyber threats facing schools today. Cybercriminals know that school staff, students, and parents can be easily manipulated, and they exploit trust, urgency, and lack of cybersecurity awareness to launch attacks.
To protect against phishing, schools must:
✔ Implement MFA & email security tools
✔ Educate staff, students, and parents on phishing tactics
✔ Monitor school networks for suspicious activity
✔ Have a clear response plan for phishing incidents
💡 With proactive security measures, schools can significantly reduce their cyber risk and keep staff & student data safe.
