Independent cyber security audit, action plan and ongoing protection.

Protect your school from rising cyber threats with HFL Education's comprehensive, independent cyber security solutions.

Cyber-attacks on schools are rising fast and the impact is serious: lost learning time, disrupted systems, reputational damage, and safeguarding risks.

To help schools build stronger protection against cyber threats, HFL’s Technology in Schools team has launched a new independent cyber security audit and action plan. This service gives schools a clear picture of their current cyber security status, identifies key risks, and provides practical, prioritised steps for improvement.

Because the audit is carried out independently, schools can be confident that their IT provider is not “marking their own homework.” This means HFL can be commissioned with full confidence - even by schools that already receive IT support from another provider.

Complete cyber security services for schools

HFL Education's Technology in Schools team, in partnership with Cheeky Munkey, delivers a full spectrum of cyber security services tailored for educational environments:

  • Independent cyber security audit and action plan

  • Email security and anti-phishing

  • Security awareness training for staff

  • Threat detection and response

  • Endpoint protection and device control

  • Ongoing monitoring and 24/7 support

  • Firewall and network protection

  • Ransomware defence and backup solutions

Why choose HFL Education for your IT security services?

Staff at a computer

  • Independent and impartial: Our audit is carried out independently from your IT provider, offering an unbiased view of your cyber resilience
  • Trusted expertise: Delivered in partnership with Cheeky Munkey, a UK-leading Managed Service Provider (MSP) with 25+ years' experience and 250+ clients
  • Tailored for education: Services and reports are specifically designed for school leaders, not technical experts
  • Strategic risk governance: Helps school leaders and boards gain full visibility and control of cyber risks

Our process: From risk to resilience

  1. Initial consultation: Understand your school's context and systems
  2. Audit and assessment: Evaluate cyber posture against NCSC and DfE standards
  3. Clear reporting: Identify threats, vulnerabilities, and governance gaps
  4. Action plan: Prioritised steps to strengthen protection and compliance
  5. Ongoing support: Optional services including managed security, monitoring, and user training
Shield with padlock

FAQs

Why is an independent audit important if we already have an IT provider?

An independent audit ensures there is no conflict of interest. It gives governors, school and trust leaders an honest, complete picture of cyber risks and how to fix them.

Will the audit help us meet DfE standards?

Yes, our audit is directly aligned with the Department for Education’s cyber security framework and will highlight what you need to do to comply.

What types of schools can use this service?

We support all school types – maintained schools, academies, independent schools, and MATs across the UK.

Can we still use this service if HFL is not our IT provider?

Absolutely. The service is independent, meaning you can work with us no matter who handles your day-to-day IT.

Do you provide cyber security support after the audit?

Yes. We offer fully managed cyber protection, training, and incident response, with options for 24/7 support.

Please contact our Technology in Schools team for further information and details of pricing.