ICT Security
Personal Liability
All staff with access to personal data are liable in law to protect that data. The strong indications are that as yet few schools have a full awareness of their responsibilities. Should data be lost from an unencrypted USB drive or seen on a school laptop used by other people, the consequences could be serious for the member of staff, for the school and for KCC.
Headteachers need to establish whether ICT security is in place. EIS has constructed a Self-Audit covering three areas: Personal Data, Network Security and e-Safety. In addition to Yes/No answers, we expect that many schools will need to put together an action plan to correct one or more security areas. It is suggested that this self-audit is completed by the senior leadership team, with technical input from other staff and suppliers as required. EIS is available to provide advice or an external view, particularly where the school does not have ICT security expertise in the staff.
The audit has been sent by Grahame Ward to all headteachers, or may be downloaded from the Document Library. EIS also provides Support and Information Notices and further reading is listed in the self audit. CFE advice is available from Michelle Hunt, the CFE Data Protection Officer and Rebecca Avery the e-Safety Officer.
The Security Self-audit document can be downloaded from the Document Library.
In addition to the audit, EIS has put together a series of documents aimed at Headteachers and ICT staff which provides guidance and recommendations for ensuring that ICT systems are secure. EIS staff will be undertaking routine observations of school networks and we will advise Headteacher’s of any issues that may threaten the security of your data. Whilst there is a lot to read, many of the recommendations are common sense and many schools will already be complying with at least some of the points raised. EIS will provide assistance to schools to ensure that the necessary levels of ICT security are in place. Please contact Richard Packham on 01622 672779 or email eis.support@kent.gov.uk.
e-Safety
For more information about e-Safety click here.
