School Data Security Incidents Increase After GDPR Implementation

School Data Security Incidents Increase After GDPR Implementation

The number of data security incidents reported by the education sector in the U.K. increased by more than 43 percent after the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), reports Schools Week.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • December 20, 2018

The number of data security incidents reported by the education sector in the U.K. increased by more than 43 percent after the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), reports Schools Week.

According to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), there was an increase in reports of incidents of disclosure issues—which involve the accidental sharing of sensitive data—and cyber-attacks between July and September 2018. Overall, the number of data reported security incidents in the education sector increased by 355 in the second quarter of 2017-2018 to 511 in the same period this year.

This is the first data to be released since the implementation of the GDPR this May. GDPR require schools to be more transparent about the data they have about their students, and respond more quickly to requests for copies of that data. Schools must also have a data protection officer in place.

Common disclosure issues include the loss or theft of data or paperwork, information sent to the wrong person via email and accidental verbal disclosure.

The increase in disclosure reports is likely caused by GDPR and work by the ICO to raise awareness, said Mark Orchison, a consultant whose firm 9ine works with schools on data protection.

“Schools are now actually aware of what data breaches are and are reporting these to demonstrate compliance with the law,” Orchison said.

Orchison is concerned about an increase in cyber-attacks on schools, saying that schools “don’t have the internal expertise” on cybersecurity and “haven’t got the skills to understand the risks or what to do when it happens.”

“Schools are seen as an easy target,” he said. “Sending false invoices, for example, is easy money.”

The U.K. government recently published new draft guidance for schools about security, including cybersecurity. The draft guidance advises schools to create firewalls and internet gateways to “prevent unauthorized access to or from private networks.” Schools are also advised to use secure configuration, access level controls and malware and virus controls.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Electrified Latch Retraction Locks Key Benefits for Retrofits

    Building owners and facility managers increasingly rely on electrified hardware to enhance security while meeting accessibility standards. Among these technologies, electrified or motorized latch retraction locks are especially effective for retrofit projects where existing door and frame conditions complicate upgrades. Latch retraction capable locks combine security, accessibility and code compliance benefits, making them ideal for retrofitting fire-rated and non-rated openings in schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings and more. Read Now

  • How Cloud Security Solutions Are Transforming Campus Safety

    Campus administrators today face a challenging mandate: deliver stronger security across their facilities while working within tighter budget constraints. From school districts focused on student safety to hospitals protecting patients and staff, the question remains the same: how do you build security infrastructure that evolves with your needs without requiring massive capital investments? Read Now

  • Rethinking Campus Security From the Inside

    For decades, campus security strategies focused on keeping threats outside school walls. But since the tragedy at Columbine High School, data has shown that many attacks begin inside the building, often in classrooms and corridors. This shift has prompted schools to rethink security from the inside and place greater emphasis on interior elements such as classroom doors. This shift is evidenced by a new generation of classroom door systems engineered to delay inside intruders and an ASTM standard that raises the bar on how these systems must be designed to defend against attack. Read Now

  • AI in Security: Advancing Campus Safety and Considerations for Implementing

    Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to capture attention across every sector, and the physical security industry is no exception. Once seen as experimental, AI-enabled analytics now underpin how organizations monitor environments, detect threats, and make decisions. What was once futuristic is now a practical necessity for safety professionals managing growing volumes of data, tighter resources, and increasing expectations for faster, more accurate responses. Read Now

Most   Popular