05 February 2019
The IT services that support Jersey’s primary schools have been awarded Cyber Essentials certification to recognise that they have taken steps to protect against cyber attacks.
The certificate shows that the schools are protected against the vast majority of cyber offences and their unpleasant consequences – which could include loss of data, or delays to teaching and learning.
In order to gain the certification, organisations must demonstrate that they have five technical controls in place. These are:
- a secure internet connection
- secure devices and software
- secure access control to data and services
- protection against viruses and other malware; and
- up-to-date software and devices.
The Education Minister, Senator Tracey Vallois, said: “I am very pleased that steps have been taken to protect the IT services that support our primary schools. Children’s learning is extremely important, and it is vital that we take every opportunity to minimise potential disruption to their education or potential loss of school data.
“The Information Security and Compliance programme is working towards obtaining Cyber Essentials certification for our secondary schools, too, and for Highlands College, to make sure that all of our educational establishments are protected.”
The Cyber Essentials scheme is open to all organisations who would like to protect themselves against cyber attacks. Anyone who would like further information about certifying their business can find out more at gov.je.
gov.je