Kingfisher Learning Trust appoints new cybersecurity partner for schools

Seven schools across Oldham and Tameside are to have their computer systems checked for cyber weaknesses under a new security partnership.

Kingfisher Learning Trust has appointed Oldham-based Foresight IT Services as its cyber security partner, covering a digital environment used by around 800 people.

The work will take in school laptops and servers, networks and firewalls, the Trust's Microsoft 365 accounts, its websites, and any systems that can be reached from the internet.

Foresight will run antivirus and endpoint detection software, monitor devices remotely, manage security updates, and scan regularly for vulnerabilities.

It will also watch the Trust's external systems — websites, public-facing services and internet addresses — for faults or exposed services that could give an attacker a way in.

Microsoft 365 accounts will be monitored for suspicious sign-ins and unusual activity that could point to a compromised account.

Schools have become a growing target for cyber criminals because they hold large volumes of personal data on pupils, families and staff, and increasingly run teaching, safeguarding, finance, and administration online.

A successful attack can lock staff out of systems, disrupt communications, and create financial and safeguarding problems.

Michael Unsworth, chief operating officer at Kingfisher Learning Trust, said cyber security has become a significant area of organisational risk for multi-academy trusts:

"We rely heavily on digital systems and hold substantial amounts of information across our schools, so our approach needs to focus on identifying and managing risk proactively.

"This partnership gives us greater visibility across our digital estate and brings vulnerability management, endpoint security, Microsoft 365 protection and external monitoring into one coordinated strategy.

"Cyber resilience is not only about technology. It is also about awareness, governance and understanding the risks facing the organisation."

Craig Barratt, sales director at Foresight, said:

"Kingfisher operates a substantial digital environment across seven schools, supporting around 800 users and holding significant amounts of sensitive educational and personal data.

"Protecting an organisation of this scale means looking at the complete attack surface. Our role is to identify where risks exist, reduce vulnerabilities and provide the monitoring needed to strengthen the Trust's resilience."

Mr Barratt added that it was important an organisation of Kingfisher's size could buy that expertise locally rather than from a national provider, noting the company wanted to use contracts like this to fund training and create technology jobs in Oldham.

Kingfisher Learning Trust runs seven mainstream and specialist schools in Oldham and Tameside. Foresight IT Services is Cyber Essentials Plus certified and works with education providers across Greater Manchester.