All childcare providers want to create a safe and secure environment for the children in their care. As we become ever more reliant on digital technology it is increasingly important that you protect data (on children, staff and families), finances and also the integrity of any digital systems you use, including email, communication channels and databases.
There are a handful of steps you can take to minimise the potentially costly and disruptive effect of a cyber incident, and better safeguard the children in your care, as well as your business’s finances and reputation. This short seminar is for anyone working in childcare in Scotland. It is run by the National Cyber Security Centre (www.ncsc.gov.uk), and supported by the Scottish Government, Education Scotland and Care Inspectorate, as part of CyberScotland Week. It will provide you with advice and steps you can take to minimise the likelihood and impact of a cyber attack on your setting, and information about where to get help and advice if you need it.
Early Years practitioners: why does cyber security matter to you?
New guidance from the NCSC can help safeguard the children in your care, and also your setting’s reputation.
The National Cyber Security Centre has published guidance specifically aimed at the Early Years education and Childcare sector in the UK.
The new guidance aims to help practitioners reduce the chances of falling victim to a cyber attack, and to help them recover from an incident if one does occur.
The four key steps for practitioners to follow are:
- Backing up your important information – identifying what data you couldn’t operate without or are legally obliged to safeguard and creating a proper back-up.
- Using passwords to control access to your computers and information – switching on password protection; using strong passwords and password managers; setting up two-factor authentication and communicating safely with families
- Protecting your devices from viruses and malware – turning on antivirus products and keeping IT devices up to date
- Dealing with suspicious messages (phishing attacks) – tips for spotting suspect messages and unusual requests, reporting these messages and what to do if you have already responded.
Early Years practitioners: why does cyber security matter… – NCSC.GOV.UK
