As the education sector continues to evolve, more schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) are embracing flexible working to offer teachers and staff the balance they need to thrive.
This shift, supported by the Department for Education and the Flexible Working Ambassador initiative, provides the opportunity to recruit, retain, and motivate educators, allowing for part-time roles, job-sharing, remote working, and even phased retirement.
However, with the shift towards flexible working and remote access, ensuring cybersecurity and robust connectivity is essential for safeguarding sensitive student data and maintaining uninterrupted learning. As MATs expand their digital infrastructure, the challenge is not just embracing new technology but also ensuring that systems are secure, reliable, and future-proof.
The Challenge: Flexible Working Without Compromising Security
Flexible working practices offer a range of benefits for both teachers and students. However, these changes also present cybersecurity risks that schools and MATs must address head-on to protect their networks, data, and users.
As schools move towards cloud-based platforms, video conferencing, remote access to learning management systems, and file sharing across distributed teams, they also become more vulnerable to cyber threats.
The biggest risks in a flexible working environment include:
- Unsecured personal devices accessing school systems from home, increasing the potential for malware or unauthorised access.
- Weak or shared passwords, which can make it easier for attackers to breach systems.
- Inadequate network security for remote workers, leading to possible data leaks or breaches through unsecured Wi-Fi or unprotected communications.
- Phishing attacks and social engineering targeting remote users, exploiting their unfamiliarity with security practices while working outside the school’s traditional infrastructure.
- Lack of visibility and control over who is accessing school networks, which is particularly challenging when working remotely across various locations and devices.
Given these risks, how can schools and MATs keep their systems secure while embracing flexible working opportunities?
Best Practices for Securing Remote Learning and Flexible Working in MATs
Upgrade to Secure, High-Performance Internet Connectivity
The foundation of any flexible working setup is reliable and secure internet connectivity. Whether you are using FTTP (Fibre to the Premises), SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access), or leased lines, ensure your connection is fast, resilient, and secure. High-performance, low-latency internet ensures seamless access to remote resources while maintaining security.
- Actionable Tip: Choose a managed service that includes proactive monitoring and DDoS protection to safeguard against potential cyberattacks.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
To reduce the risk of unauthorised access, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be mandatory for all staff accessing the school’s systems remotely. MFA requires users to provide two or more forms of verification—typically a combination of something they know (password), something they have (a smartphone or token), and something they are (biometrics).
- Actionable Tip: Enforce MFA for accessing emails, learning platforms, administrative systems, and internal communications tools.
Provide Staff Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Human error is one of the biggest cybersecurity risks, especially with remote working. Online cybersecurity training can help staff recognise threats like phishing emails, malware, and social engineering. By tailoring training to specific roles—teachers, administrative staff, and IT professionals—schools can ensure that everyone is prepared to handle the unique challenges they face.
Additionally, simulated attacks, such as phishing exercises, are an effective way to test staff readiness. These mock attacks mimic real-world threats, helping to identify weaknesses in staff knowledge and response. Regular simulations reinforce good security practices and help ensure that staff are equipped to handle potential security breaches.
- Actionable Tip: Use cybersecurity training platforms that offer tailored modules for different roles and run periodic simulated phishing attacks to test staff’s response to real-world threats.
Adopt Secure Collaboration Tools
With more staff working remotely or across multiple sites, the adoption of collaboration tools is inevitable. Ensure that tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or Teams are properly configured to protect sensitive information. This includes ensuring end-to-end encryption for all communications and using secure file sharing protocols for storing and accessing documents.
- Actionable Tip: Evaluate whether your collaboration tools meet the security standards of GDPR and other relevant data protection regulations
Centralise Access Control and Monitoring
MATs and schools need complete control over who is accessing their systems, especially with flexible working becoming the norm. Centralised access management tools, such as Microsoft Intune or Cisco Meraki, allow schools to manage device security, user access, and monitor activities remotely.
- Actionable Tip: Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) to ensure that staff have access only to the data and systems they need to perform their roles, minimising exposure to sensitive information.
Ensure Device Security with Endpoint Protection
With teachers working remotely on a variety of devices—laptops, smartphones, and tablets—each device becomes a potential target for cyberattacks. Endpoint protection tools, such as anti-malware software, VPNs, and mobile device management (MDM) solutions, help mitigate these risks.
- Actionable Tip: Deploy endpoint security solutions that can automatically update and monitor devices for threats, ensuring that all devices meet your organization’s security standards.
Secure Remote Access and VPN Solutions
As teachers and staff work from home or other locations, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential for ensuring secure access to the school’s internal network. A VPN encrypts data transferred between the device and the network, protecting it from potential interception.
- Actionable Tip: Ensure that remote workers are connected to the VPN whenever accessing school systems, particularly when using public or shared Wi-Fi networks.
Segment Your Network for Greater Security
In a flexible working environment, it’s essential to segment your network to separate critical systems (like finance or student data) from less sensitive areas. By isolating access to sensitive data, you can limit the impact of any potential security breach.
- Actionable Tip: Implement a zero-trust network model, where every request for access is validated regardless of whether it comes from inside or outside the network.
Implement Backup and Disaster Recovery (DR) Plans
In the event of a cyberattack, natural disaster, or hardware failure, having a backup and disaster recovery (DR) plan is essential to minimise downtime and ensure business continuity. Schools and MATs should back up their critical data regularly and test their recovery processes to ensure they can quickly restore systems and data if needed.
- Actionable Tip: Use automated backup solutions that store data securely offsite, and ensure that you have a tested disaster recovery plan in place to restore operations quickly if a breach or outage occurs
Why It Matters Now: Cybersecurity and Flexibility Go Hand-in-Hand
The shift to flexible working is more than just a trend—it’s a strategic move to improve recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction within the education sector. However, this shift brings both opportunities and challenges. Ensuring that schools and MATs have the appropriate cybersecurity measures and connectivity solutions in place is crucial for protecting both staff and students from evolving cyber threats.
As the Flexible Working Ambassador Programme is extended, the importance of embracing security alongside flexibility has never been clearer. With cloud-based resources and remote access becoming the norm, securing these systems must be a top priority for IT teams, business managers, and senior leaders.
How We Can Help: Strengthen Your Security and Connectivity
At Advantex, we specialise in providing secure, scalable connectivity solutions and cybersecurity services tailored to the needs of schools and MATs. With extensive experience working with educational institutions, we can help ensure that your systems are secure, efficient, and ready for the future of flexible working.
- Book a free cybersecurity consultation to assess your school’s remote access security
- Explore our managed connectivity solutions designed for the education sector
- Contact us for a tailored solution to secure your flexible working environment
Have you received your letter saying funding is available through the Connect the Classroom initiative?
Get in touch with us today to discuss your eligibility and the next steps in accessing the Connect the Classroom funding. We’re here to guide you through the application process and help you make the most of the support available.
