Skip to main content

2026 FAMILY, PRIVATELY OWNED AND OWNER-MANAGED BUSINESS SURVEY

Download now

Education

Cyber Security & Digital Risk

Protecting your educational mission in a digital world

Cyber-crime is one of the most significant non-financial risks facing the education sector today. Schools and MATs are primary targets for ransomware attacks due to the high volume of sensitive student data they hold and the critical nature of their daily operations. A breach is not just an IT failure; it is a reputational and financial crisis.

At Armstrong Watson, we help education leaders move from a reactive to a "resilient" posture. We provide specialist cyber security audits that focus on the specific vulnerabilities of the school environment, from remote learning portals to central payment systems.

Contact us

Get in touch with our Sector specialists

Contact the team

Our cyber defence framework for schools

We don't just provide software; we provide a strategy. Our services include:

Vulnerability Assessments

Identifying the "open doors" in your network, particularly in ageing legacy systems often found in older school buildings.

CEO fraud prevention

Training your central finance team to spot the sophisticated phishing and "social engineering" attacks that target school bank accounts.

Safeguarding data security

Ensuring that highly sensitive child protection records (e.g., CPOMS/MyConcern) are encrypted and access is strictly controlled according to GDPR standards.

Incident response and recovery

If the worst happens, the speed of your response dictates your recovery. We help you draft business continuity plans that allow your schools to remain open even if your servers are compromised. We also support boards with the legal and regulatory reporting requirements of a "serious incident" to the ESFA or the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Recent news stories

Modern school sports complex with football pitches, running track, and outdoor athletic facilities

2nd September 2026

How independent schools can improve financial sustainability after VAT

Child sitting on an adult’s shoulders at a colourful amusement park with spinning rides in the background.

4th June 2026

How can businesses prepare for the summer VAT cut?

26th March 2026

Important tips for university students and their parents

Get in touch

Get in touch to speak to one of our specialist advisers and explore how we can help you.

Contact us

Find your local office

Visit your local office. To find your nearest office just enter your town or city below.

Find an office

Latest news

Insights banner for Armstrong Watson’s 2026 Family, Privately Owned and Owner-Managed Business Survey Report.

Tax increases and inflationary pressures top concerns for Yorkshire businesses, while cyber attacks have hit 1 in 3, latest survey reveals

by Armstrong Watson - 25th September 2026

Insights banner for Armstrong Watson’s 2026 Family, Privately Owned and Owner-Managed Business Survey Report.

Cyber attacks hit more businesses in North East, while tax increases and inflationary pressures top concerns, survey reveals

by Armstrong Watson - 25th September 2026

Insights banner for Armstrong Watson’s 2026 Family, Privately Owned and Owner-Managed Business Survey Report.

Changes to taxation, inflationary pressures and rising costs top concerns for Cumbrian businesses, survey reveals

by Armstrong Watson - 25th September 2026

Insights banner for Armstrong Watson’s 2026 Family, Privately Owned and Owner-Managed Business Survey Report.

Changes to taxation and inflationary pressures top concerns for Scottish businesses, whilst cyber attacks have hit 1 in 3, latest survey reveals

by Armstrong Watson - 25th September 2026

Insights banner for Armstrong Watson’s 2026 Family, Privately Owned and Owner-Managed Business Survey Report.

Changes to taxation and inflationary pressures top concerns for businesses, whilst cyber attacks have hit 1 in 3, latest survey reveals

by Armstrong Watson - 25th September 2026