by Mark Lukie
Schools of all sizes face time and resource constraints when it comes to cyber security. With thousands of users and devices connected to school networks at any given time, ensuring robust security across the whole IT infrastructure 24/7 can be a complex task. Many schools, ranging from small independents to large universities, struggle to allocate the necessary personnel, with the right skills and enough budget to address evolving cyber threats, placing extra pressure on their IT teams.
However, strengthening cyber security doesn’t have to mean increasing workloads, budget or skills. For example, there are cost effective ways in which schools can mitigate cyber risks and protect sensitive data through email security. A strong email protection program can defend against many of the most common threats to schools including phishing attacks, business email compromise and even malware attacks such as ransomware, by detecting suspicious emails and blocking malicious attachments or URLs. But to amplify protection beyond these standards, there are managed security solutions available that can help to carry the load.
One of the most effective approaches is called Extended Detection and Response (XDR). Growing numbers of service providers offer this as a managed service, underpinned by a security operations centre (SOC) that monitors what’s going on round the clock and responds immediately to any security red flag. Managed XDR offers deeper and stronger security for a world where attackers are increasingly sophisticated and evasive and will look for and take advantage of every security gap they can find.
How does XDR work?
XDR is an integrated security solution that gathers data from across the IT environment, including all connected devices, applications and cloud servers, scanning the network to identify and remediate any security threats within minutes if not faster. Due to its extended visibility, automated functionality and expert human analysis it can often stop attacks at an early stage, for example by quarantining an infected device or suspending an account that’s showing unusual or suspicious activity – before the attackers have a chance to do serious damage
A Managed XDR service continuously monitors threats, triages incidents, and offers practical recommendations for faster resolution—all without requiring additional in-house expertise. It can help schools achieve cyber resilience without needing multiple security solutions or specialised cybersecurity talent.
Why Managed XDR is smart choice for schools
Implementing a Managed XDR service offers several benefits that help schools balance security and efficiency:
Improved visibility: With automated monitoring and analysis, XDR provides IT teams with a clearer picture of potential threats across the school’s entire network.
Simplified security processes: XDR automatically identifies, prioritises and remediates threats based on their severity. This reduces the pressure on IT teams and gives them more control over their school’s security posture.
Improved response times: The automated tools and advanced functionality of Managed XDR means it can identify and triage threats much faster than manual processes. This reduces the time threats and intruders lurk in the network and minimises the potential damage of an attack. XDR can reduce resolution times from days or weeks to less than an hour if not more.
Reduced complexity and costs: Managed XDR provides schools with single pane visibility of everything that’s happening across all the areas covered by XDR.
Compliance: Implementing a Managed XDR solution can also help schools maintain compliance with industry regulations and meet their cyber insurance requirements.
The takeaway
Cyber threats are an evolving challenge, but schools don’t have to tackle them alone. By leveraging solutions like Managed XDR, IT teams can enhance their security posture without overstretching resources. Managed XDR provides a proactive and efficient way to safeguard school networks, keeping learning environments safe and connected.
Mark Lukie, Head of Solution Architects, Barracuda APAC