Cyber Essentials is a useful, government backed scheme that helps protect a school or trust, whatever its size, against the most common forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber Essentials is the minimum level of Cyber Security recommended by the Government, to help protect your data. Whilst it's not compulsory for schools and trusts (for now), elements of Cyber Essentials are creeping into things like RPA for example and it wouldn't be surprising if it was eventually included in the requirements for Insurance in the near future.
The scheme comes in two levels, Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus. The former is a self-assessment option, and if successful in the certification will demonstrate how the school assesses a wide variety of cyber-attacks and how to prevent them. While the latter requires a hands-on technical verification to be carried out. ADNS Education can provide assistance in achieving either level of certification.
Either level can provide reassurance to Pupils, Staff, Parents and Governors that you are cyber aware and prioritise cyber security. Other benefits are it can give the school a clear picture of the level of cyber security they obtain, and some contracts and insurances require this certification.
Once certified, you will receive Cyber Liability Insurance, this is renewed each year when you renew your certification.
