In recent months, we’ve seen a sharp rise in high-profile cyber attacks:

  • Jaguar Land Rover systems offline for weeks, disrupting supply chains.
  • Heathrow and M&S struggling with operational chaos.
  • Even trusted institutions like the BBC caught in the crossfire.

But the most shocking case came just days ago: 18 UK nurseries attacked by the Radiant Group ransomware gang, with data on 8,000 children stolen. This included names, home addresses, safeguarding notes — and even photos of vulnerable children. Some of that data was published on the dark web.

For parents and staff, the impact is unthinkable. For the rest of the education sector, it is a stark reminder: if you hold sensitive information on children, you’re a target.

Cyber Security For Schools & Nursery buisnesse

Why Education Providers Are in the Firing Line

Schools, nurseries, academies and childcare providers hold some of the most sensitive data possible:

  • Pupil records (names, addresses, dates of birth)
  • Photos of children
  • Safeguarding notes and medical information
  • Parent contact details and financial data

Criminals know this information is highly valuable and deeply sensitive. They also know that many education providers are under-resourced when it comes to IT security — making them easier targets.

The ICO has already stated it will take stronger enforcement action when children’s data is involved. That means the reputational, regulatory and financial consequences of a breach are even higher for schools and nurseries.

What “Good Security” Looks Like for Schools and Nurseries

The good news? Strong protection doesn’t have to mean big budgets or complex systems. Every education provider should treat these as baseline security measures:

  1. Up-to-date devices and patching – keeping staff laptops, PCs and tablets secure.
  2. Email and identity protection – stopping phishing and account compromise before they spread.
  3. Regular backups – ensuring you can recover quickly from an attack.
  4. Safeguarding through training – helping staff recognise risks, from phishing emails to USB sticks.
  5. Monitoring and vulnerability scanning – spotting weaknesses before criminals do.

👉 This is exactly what our H-Protect service provides. It’s a managed security baseline designed for schools, nurseries and SMEs across the North West — combining technical safeguards with ongoing end-user training so your staff become part of the defence, not the weakness.

Prevention Is Always Cheaper Than Cure

The nursery ransomware attack should be a wake-up call for the education sector. Eight thousand families are now wondering if their children’s personal data is circulating online.

For any school, nursery or childcare provider, the question is simple: would your business survive a cyber attack?

If you’re not confident in the answer, it’s time to take action. Because prevention is always cheaper — and safer — than recovery.

📌 Learn more about how H-Protect helps schools and nurseries safeguard their pupils and staff.