ICT, Safeguarding and Cyber security – MLL and South East Grid for Learning have got you covered

Implementing fit for purpose internet connectivity solutions and robust cyber security technology, can deliver the high quality teaching and learning experience your school really needs. However, along with the training for staff and students, not to mention the procurement aspects, means for many schools and trusts achieving this is easier said than done.

Apart from the potential disruption to lessons and remote learning caused by patchy internet connections or insufficient bandwidth, inadequate content filtering and firewall protection can make schools easy targets for hackers. When connections fail or an attack occurs, the disruption and emotional stress caused to both students and teachers cannot be overstated. The sudden unplanned downtime and cancelled lessons when systems are taken offline can quickly lead to chaos.

This year’s Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey reported 52% of primary schools and 71% of secondary schools having identified a breach or attack in the past year. If any further evidence was required, the latest figures from the Information Commissioner’s Office show 347 cyber incidents such as ransomware demands and phishing were reported in the education and childcare sector in 2023 – an increase of 55% on 2022.

Joining up the dots

Helping schools make sense of the technology and smoothing the procurement process are key reasons why MLL has teamed up with South East Grid for Learning (SEGfL). We are supporting SEGfL in improving connectivity services for schools and academies across Kent and the wider South East. By working closely with SEGfL under the SEG procurement umbrella, we are able to offer a joined up approach that treats each school individually to provide the best connectivity option for their specific location at the best price point possible.

Together we are already delivering high speed, safe, secure and resilient internet connections to over 200 schools in the region which enable IT, AV, Electronic Learning & Broadband and Telecommunications solutions for primary and secondary schools and Academy Trusts. Our services include comprehensive DfE aligned safeguarding and cyber protection by our specifying and installing best of breed web content filtering and firewalls, backed by comprehensive training and a UK-based 24/7support team.

Visit MLL and SEGfL on Stand 307. Our experts will be on hand to discuss every aspect of internet provision and will be able to share information on your particular site and the connectivity options open to you.