Safeguarding pupils

The Cyber Incident That Never Happens (Because We Spotted It First)

Every school leader has heard the horror stories: ransomware, student data breaches, the call from the ICO. The worst part? It's not 'if,' it's 'when' - unless you have someone watching. ekte's cyber security isn't about perfect defence; it's about catching the risky email, the weak password, the out-of-date patch before they turn into a crisis your governors ask about.

Imagine never worrying about cyber risks or data breaches, just teaching and learning without interruption.

Recent high-profile stories make one thing painfully clear: school risks aren’t just from far-off cyber criminals, but often from within. According to a BBC report, nearly a third of data breaches in schools have involved students illegally accessing staff systems by guessing passwords or using hacking tools. These aren’t just “pranks.” In some cases, confidential information about staff, safeguarding records, and even pupils' home details were exposed or deleted.

For school leaders, this is a stark warning that data protection must go beyond external firewalls. ekte makes that challenge manageable, implementing strong password policies, robust account management, and multi-factor authentication. This ensures that only the right people get access to the right systems and that lost or weak passwords can’t put your school’s data at risk.

To ensure the whole school community is part of the defence, our cyber training helps staff and pupils spot risky behaviour. We combine this with layered technical solutions—like managed firewalls, email protection, and secure cloud backups—so your school is protected from every angle, inside and out.

Cyber Security

ekte’s cyber security services are designed around the DfE’s official “Cyber Security Standards for Schools and Colleges,” ensuring your school not only meets but exceeds government expectations for safeguarding students, protecting sensitive data, and keeping critical systems running.

Essentials & Certification

ekte’s cyber security services are designed around the DfE’s official “Cyber Security Standards for Schools and Colleges,” ensuring your school not only meets but exceeds government expectations for safeguarding students, protecting sensitive data, and keeping critical systems running. assessments, asset reviews, robust password and access management, and practical cyber response planning. Our team ensures that your risk register, policies, and incident response plans are up to date and include all the best-practice elements recommended by the DfE.

Penetration Testing (Vonahi)

Regular “pen testing” is like a fire drill for your network. Vonahi’s automated checks safely test your defenses against real-world hacker techniques. This shows you (and us) any weak spots before criminals can find them, then we help you fix them.

What it feels like: Once a term, you get a short email: "We ran your pen test. Found two weak spots. Already fixed them. Nothing for you to do." That's it. No drama, no jargon, just reassurance.

Firewalls & Network Security (Cambium)

Our Cambium firewalls and network switches keep your school’s internet and devices safe from external threats and unauthorised access. These “digital gatekeepers” help prevent viruses, block unwanted traffic, and segment sensitive data—so learning can continue without disruption.

Email & Anti-Malware Protection

Email is often where cyber threats sneak in. That’s why we set up VIPRE to scan every email for viruses, phishing scams, and dangerous file attachments—before they reach your team.

SecureSchools

ekte partners with Secure Schools to give you the “human side” of cyber: practical tools that help you benchmark risk, train staff, and satisfy governors without drowning anyone in jargon. From cyber scores and phishing simulations to awareness training, policy builders, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing, you get a joined-up programme designed specifically for schools and trusts. It means one coherent story for SLT and governors, clear actions for your IT partner, and a safer digital environment for staff and pupils

Click and expand to find out what DfE standards your school or college should meet on cyber security and user accounts.
Cyber Security
What you get with ekte
A one-page plan your governors will actually understand
'No stupid questions' training sessions for non-technical staff
We call you first when something looks odd - before it becomes a crisis
Create and implement a cyber awareness plan for students and staff

Mandatory by 2030

Govt. Guidance

DfE says:

ekte Delivers
ekte provides straightforward guides and staff training sessions so everyone understands how to use technology safely and responsibly.
Schools Say
Secure digital technology and data with anti-malware and a firewall

Mandatory by 2030

Govt. Guidance

DfE says:

ekte Delivers
ekte sets up the latest Datto security software and DfE compliant firewalls, shielding your school's computers and data from viruses and cyber attacks.
Schools Say
Control and secure user accounts and access privileges

Mandatory by 2030

Govt. Guidance

DfE says:

ekte Delivers
ekte ensures only authorised staff and students can access sensitive areas, keeping personal information secure with strong passwords and careful account management.
Schools Say
License digital technology and keep it up to date

Mandatory by 2030

Govt. Guidance

DfE says:

ekte Delivers
ekte manages licenses for your software and keeps systems updated, so everything runs smoothly and securely.
Schools Say
Develop and implement a plan to back up your data and review this every year

Mandatory by 2030

Govt. Guidance

DfE says:

ekte Delivers
ekte puts automatic backups in place using Datto technology, so you never lose important work and can quickly restore files if needed.
Schools Say
Report cyber attacks

Mandatory by 2030

Govt. Guidance

DfE says:

ekte Delivers
ekte helps you quickly report any security issues to the right authorities, giving support to keep your school compliant and recover fast.
Schools Say

"ekte’s support has transformed our IT experience... Their expertise and reliability give us peace of mind every day."

Caroline Humphrey
Business Manager, Taylor Road Primary School

Let ekte make your school’s cyber safety simple, reliable, and stress-free.

Book a friendly, no-obligation review of your school’s cyber defences today. Experience digital confidence—secure, compliant, and tailored for your community.

FAQs

Discover answers to your pressing questions about our comprehensive cybersecurity services.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity involves protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks. It encompasses various measures to safeguard information integrity and confidentiality. Our services ensure that your institution's sensitive data remains secure.

Why is it important?

In today's digital age, cybersecurity is crucial for protecting against data breaches and cyber threats. It helps maintain trust with students, parents, and stakeholders. Investing in cybersecurity safeguards your institution's reputation and operational continuity.

What services do you offer?

We offer a range of cybersecurity services, including risk assessments, threat monitoring, and incident response. Our tailored solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of educational institutions and businesses. We focus on providing proactive measures to ensure your safety.

How can I start?

Getting started is easy! Simply reach out to our team through the contact button above. We'll assess your needs and guide you through the process of enhancing your cybersecurity.

Do you offer training?

Yes, we provide cybersecurity training tailored for staff and students. Our training programs focus on best practices to avoid common threats. Empowering your community is a key part of our cybersecurity strategy.