Protecting early childhood centres from rising cyber threats
Digital tools now play a crucial role in the daytoday running of early childhood centres. Enrolment systems, payroll, attendance tracking, parent communication apps, and stored records all rely on technology to keep things moving. But as this reliance grows, so does the exposure to cyber risk. Cybercriminals don’t target only large organisations, they look for vulnerabilities, and any ECE centre with internet connected devices can be affected.
A cyber incident can disrupt operations, compromise privacy, and create significant stress for staff and families. Understanding the risks is the first step to strengthening your centre’s resilience
What can go wrong?
Ransomware shutting down your systems
In 2021 the global Kaseya ransomware attack, affected more than 100 kindergartens across the lower North Island. Centres were forced to switch off their computers and revert to pen and paper because of concerns that their systems and data may have been compromised.
The attack, part of a global breach attributed to the REvil cybercriminal gang, demonstrated how quickly childcare providers can be caught up in largescale cyber incidents even if they weren’t the primary target.
Loss of sensitive information
ECE centres hold highly confidential data such as child records, medical information, staff files, and financial details. A breach could expose personal data, put families at risk, and lead to serious privacy and compliance concerns.
Operational shutdown
If an attack locks you out of your systems, you may not be able to access enrolment systems, payroll, communications, attendance records, or compliance information. Even short outages can create major disruption for teaching teams and administrators.
Reputational damage
Parents trust you with their children and their personal information. Even if data isn’t stolen, a cyber incident can undermine parent confidence and create uncertainty about your centre’s ability to protect this sensitive information.
Key things to consider
Understanding your centre’s exposure
It’s important to know what systems you rely on most and where potential vulnerabilities may sit. You should consider:
What digital systems do you rely on daily?
What information do you store and who has access to it?
How prepared would you be if your systems went offline tomorrow?
Human error is still the biggest risk
Most breaches occur because someone clicks a link, opens an attachment or uses a weak password. Strengthening awareness of cyber risks with your team can significantly reduce your risk.
Your IT provider could be targeted
Even if your centre follows good cyber safety processes, you could still be affected if a supplier or software provider is attacked.
What can you do to ensure you’re protected
There are several steps you can take to help reduce your risk and improve resilience should an attack occur.
Strengthen policies and procedures
Develop or update your information security policy so it’s practical and clearly communicated. Include expectations for staff, relievers, admin teams and anyone with access to your system. Make cybersecurity training part of your induction process and refresh it regularly.
Have a response plan ready
Every centre should have:
A business continuity plan – how you’ll operate if systems go down.
An incident response plan – who to call, what to shut down, and how to communicate with families.
Keep devices and software updated
Regularly update all devices and software, including iPads, laptops, WiFi routers and educational apps. Cybercriminals often target systems running outdated versions.
Use modern security tools
Firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and regular security testing provide essential layers of protection.
Enforce strong passwords
Use long, complex passwords and change them regularly. Consider using a password manager for maintaining secure access without making things harder for staff,
Apply dual verification for payments
Invoice fraud and phishing scams are on the rise. Having two people approve financial transactions adds an important layer of protection.
Maintain reliable backups
Know where your backups are stored, how often they run, and how quickly you can restore systems. Backups should be secure and ideally stored offsite or in the cloud.
Protect mobile devices and remote access
Tablets and phones often hold the same information as computers but are easier to lose and easier to compromise. Be sure to use passcodes and auto-lock settings and ensure controlled access to sensitive apps.
Where Cyber Insurance fits in
Cyber insurance isn’t a replacement for good cyber security, but it can be essential support if things go wrong.
A cyber policy may cover:
IT forensics and emergency support
Data recovery
System restoration
Business interruption losses
Notification costs if personal data is affected
Liability to others resulting from a security breach
For many centres, it provides financial and practical support during what can be a highly disruptive and stressful event.
Cyber risks are not just a “big business” issue. The 2021 Kaseya attack highlighted how quickly early childhood centres can be pulled into global cyber events, even when they are not the direct target. By strengthening your policies, preparing for incidents, updating systems, and educating your team, you can greatly reduce your centre’s exposure and recover more quickly if a cyber incident occurs.
Gallagher offer a range of comprehensive insurance solutions and can easily add cyber insurance to your existing cover. Connect with us to explore how we can support your business in navigating the evolving cyber threat landscape. Click here to submit an enquiry or call our team on 0800 765 429.
