Cyber Security Attack Response Policy

Policy Statement

Countess Anne School is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our digital infrastructure and the sensitive data of our students, staff, and stakeholders. In response to the threats posed by cyber security attacks, this policy outlines the steps we will take to protect our school community and ensure a swift and effective response in the event of a breach.

Objectives

• To protect and secure the digital systems and data used in the school.
• To create an informed community that recognises the importance of cybersecurity.
• To establish a clear response protocol for managing cyber security attacks effectively.

Roles and Responsibilities

Governing Body

• Oversight of cyber security policy implementation.
• Regular review of the effectiveness of security measures.

Cyber Security Lead

• Lead the development and maintenance of this policy.
• Ensure all staff receive relevant training and resources.
• Conduct regular audits of digital safety measures.

All Staff

• Adhere to the established cyber security protocols.
• Report suspected incidents or vulnerabilities immediately.
• Students participate in educational initiatives to understand safe digital practices.

• Report any suspicious activities to a designated staff member.

Preventative Measures

1. Staff Training: Regular training sessions to ensure staff understand the risks and how to mitigate them.
2. Regular Audits: Scheduled reviews of IT systems and practices to identify vulnerabilities.
3. Anti-virus and Anti-malware Software: Implementation of robust security software across all devices used within the school.
4. Data Encryption: Ensure all sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
5. Network Security: Use of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure access protocols.
6. User Access Management: Policies to limit access to sensitive information based on role and necessity.

Incident Response Protocol

1. Identification: Staff must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or software anomalies to the Cyber Security Lead i.e. the Head Teacher, and the School’s Business Manager.
2. Containment: The above will take immediate steps to isolate affected systems to prevent further damage.
3. Eradication: Identify the origin of the breach and eliminate the threat from the school’s network.
4. Recovery: Restore systems from backups, ensuring data integrity while bringing systems back online.
5. Communication: Inform relevant stakeholders, including parents, the local education authority, and, if necessary, law enforcement. In addition, the school should consider any data security implications from a GDPR perspective informing the appropriate bodies if necessary.
6. Reporting: Document the incident thoroughly, including response actions taken, and submit a full report to the Governing Body.
7. Review: Post-incident evaluation to assess how the situation was handled, and develop an action plan to improve future responses.

Raising Awareness

• Continuous campaigns and workshops for staff, students, and parents to promote understanding of cyber threats and personal responsibility in cyber security.
• Integration of cyber security awareness into the wider curriculum, enabling students to understand the implications of their online behaviours.

Monitoring and Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually or following a significant incident. Staff, student, and stakeholder feedback will be integral to this review process to ensure the policies remain relevant and effective.

Compliance with Ofsted Expectations

According to the latest Ofsted framework, schools are expected to:

• Promote a culture of safety and well-being, including awareness of cyber risks.
• Ensure all staff are competent and confident in their roles regarding safeguarding, including understanding cyber security.
• Support the implementation of robust policies that are reflective of the needs and risks associated with the school community.

The outlined Cyber Security Attack Response Policy adheres to these expectations and demonstrates our commitment to excellence in safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all members of the Countess Anne School community.

This document represents our strategic approach towards managing and mitigating cyber security threats, aligned with the highest standards required by Ofsted and the safeguarding principles outlined in the 2014 National Curriculum in England.

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Next review Summer 26