Becta: Data Handling Security Guidance for Schools

I originally posted this on the Bolton Schools ICT Unit Blog back in September 2008 but, following my meeting yesterday, I thought I’d re-publish it here.

Becta updated their Information Security Advice page for schools last year and provided a more detailed document (Keeping Data Safe, Secure and Legal) which expands upon previous advice.

This document brings into a school context the key messages from the relatively recent Cabinet Office review entitled Data Handling Procedures in Government, the final report of which was published on 25th June 2008.

The Becta document is essential reading for any member of staff who has responsibility for handling and securing data, especially Network Managers, MIS Managers, ICT Coordinators and Head Teachers.

Microsoft UK have passed comment on the Becta document on their Schools Blog – click here for further details.

Becta also published four additional guides to accompany their Keeping Data Safe, Secure and Legal document.

• – Impact Levels and Labelling
• – Data Encryption
• – Audit Logging and Incident Handling
• – Secure Remote Access

Click on the links above to access the documents as PDFs or visit Becta’s Information Security Advice page for other formats.

Ray Fleming, UK Education Industry Manager for Microsoft, has posted a related article on his blog which is worth checking out – click here for details. Ray has also produced a visual representation of what the current understanding is with regard to Information Security: Click here to see more.

Becta have launched a community area for schools to discuss data handling, which can be accessed by clicking here.