RM Technology has outlined three reasons schools should review their IT contingency plans, highlighting the risks of cyberattacks, technology failures and increasing compliance requirements.
Cybersecurity is a key concern, with schools facing threats including ransomware and unauthorised access to sensitive data. Without secure backups and recovery procedures, an attack could result in lost information and prolonged disruption to IT systems.
RM Technology recommends that schools maintain isolated backup systems and regularly test their recovery processes to ensure services can be restored following an incident.
IT outages caused by hardware failures, extreme weather or cyberattacks can also disrupt teaching and administrative operations. Schools need contingency arrangements that allow essential services to continue, including alternative provisions for remote or hybrid learning if networks become unavailable.
A lack of preparation could result in lost teaching time, administrative delays and restricted access to important systems.
Compliance and governance requirements provide a third reason to review existing arrangements. Schools need to demonstrate appropriate data protection and risk management measures, including secure backups, documented recovery procedures and regular testing.
These arrangements may also be relevant when dealing with school governors, independent school inspectors and cyber insurance providers, which may require evidence of effective IT risk management.
RM Technology is offering schools a free Infrastructure Health Check to assess their existing systems, identify potential weaknesses and develop an action plan.
The company says regular reviews are necessary to ensure contingency plans reflect changes to school IT infrastructure and emerging security risks. Testing backup systems and recovery procedures can also help establish whether schools are adequately prepared to restore services following an incident.
RM plc (LON:RM) is a global EdTech provider of learning and assessment solutions, supporting the full learning journey, from early years through to higher education and professional qualifications.
