InfoSec / Cyber

    You are here:  
  1. Home
  2. InfoSec / Cyber
A stylized image of a panda wearing a dark suit and tie, standing in a bamboo forest. The background is a mix of digital circuit patterns and glowing lights. At the bottom, a graphic overlay with the text, "IS THERE A 'MURKY PANDA' ON THE TIMETABLE? THE LATEST CYBER THREAT." The logo for "D NEWS" is in the bottom right corner.
Information/Cyber Security

The Murky Panda (also known as Silk Typhoon) is a cyber threat that has had significant activity since 2023 and has targeted government, technology, academic, legal and professional services. Currently there are reports of the threats only in North America, however, as the Murky Panda has previously targeted compromises in the cloud, it is assumed that they will easily transition to attacks further afield. The threat group is a China-nexus group motivated by intelligence collection.

Microsoft Copilot AI generated image of computers on a world with hackers by the side
Information/Cyber Security

The recent news has been full of the global IT outage that affected many systems over the weekend, including airlines and patient access.  Although the incident was not caused by a cyber attack, it is important to note that it was a cyber incident which affects everyone.

A cyber incident is an event with threatens the confidentiality, integrity or availability of information systems, networks or the information they contain.

Review our previous article:

Cyber incidents can be intentional or accidental and can cause major disruptions.  The recently reported CrowdStrike incident caused significant global disruption.  While there are huge impacts to the affected systems, for which there are now fixes available, there will be an aftermath of 'unrest' where threat actors will use people's vulnerability and concern to send phishing emails.

The NCSC has already reported an increased in phishing activity as opportunistic and malicious actors seek to take advantage of the situation.  The emails could be aimed at organisations or individuals.

The NCSC has released this guidance:

Organisations should review NCSC guidance to make sure that multi-layer phishing mitigations are in place, while individuals should be alert to suspicious emails or messages on this topic and know what to look for.

Their full report can be read here: NCSC Major IT Outage

We've made a short micro learning video for you to share with staff about how they might be affected by cyber incidents like this one:



View our other free micro learning videos!

Article images created using Microsoft Copilot AI.
Micro Learning video created using Vyond AI.

What to do in the event of a cyber attack

First, follow your cyber response plan. Record the incident in your internal incident log, inform your governing board or trustees, and contact your Data Protection Officer (DPO) as soon as possible if personal data could be involved.

Incidents or attacks where a security breach may have taken place, or other damage was caused, should also be reported to an external body. The SLT digital lead is responsible for assigning someone to report any suspicious cyber incidents or attacks. This person will need to report to:

  • Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud in December 2025, on 0300 123 2040 or through the Report Fraud website. Make sure it is recorded as a crime report so that you receive a crime reference number.
  • the DfE sector cyber team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You may also need to report to:

  • the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) if the incident or attack causes long-term school closure, the closure of more than one school, or serious financial damage. If you're not sure who to report to, use the government's cyber incident signposting service.
  • the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) within 72 hours of becoming aware of a personal data breach, unless the breach is unlikely to result in a risk to people's rights and freedoms. If the risk is high, you must also tell the people affected without undue delay. Your DPO can help you assess this.  We will do this on behalf of DPE customers.
  • the Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA) emergency assistance helpline on 0800 368 6378 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., if you are an RPA member, or your cyber insurance provider if you have one
  • your local police force if you suspect a safeguarding impact
  • any third-party service providers whose systems are affected, so they can be part of a coordinated response
  • Jisc CSIRT, if you are part of a further education institution.

You must act in accordance with:

Preserve the evidence

Police investigations may find out whether any compromised data has been published or sold, and identify the perpetrator. Preserving evidence is as important as recovering from the crime. Keep a clear record of what happened, when, and what actions you took. The DfE's guidance on record keeping in an incident explains what to capture.

Reporting suspicious emails and texts

Forward suspicious emails to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Report scam text messages by forwarding the original message to 7726 (it spells SPAM on the keypad).

  1. King's speech introduces new bills in relation to cyber security, smart data and digital information
  2. Free short cyber training for staff
  3. Children's mental health data leaked after a cyber attack
  4. Cyber Incident Review: The Benefits
  5. Cyber attack on a University
  6. Kent Councils Data Breach
  7. Phishing attacks targeting schools - alert from City of London Police
  8. Update on Advisory for Rhysida Ransomware
  9. The Crime in a Cyber Attack and a Data Breach
  10. Learning from Data Breaches
  11. Windows 11 security ineffective against attacks on old devices
  12. International Counter Ransomware Initiative 2023 Joint Statement
  13. Top Ten Cyber Security Misconfigurations
  14. ICO Reprimand: company suffered a ransomware attack
  15. The UK Online Safety Bill becomes an Act (Law)
  16. The importance of software updates (PaperCut vulnerability and Rhysida ransomware)
  17. Ransomware, extortion and the cyber crime ecosystem
  18. Cyber Resource: The Cyber Resilience Centre Group
  19. Email and Security: ICO recent guidance
  20. What to do in the event of a Cyber Attack
  21. Cyber Crime: AI Generated Phishing Attacks
  22. Cyber Attack: Exam Boards
  23. VICE SOCIETY - Ransomware attacks on schools
  24. Be Cyber Aware: USB Sticks
  25. Cyber Insurance in the Public Sector
  26. Types of Cyber Attacks: DDos Attack (Microsoft DDoS Attack in June)
  27. Cyber Attack: Leytonstone School
  28. Be Cyber Aware: Firewalls
  29. Be Cyber Aware: Cyber attacks and transparency. A no blame culture
  30. Cyber Attack: Dorchester School
  31. Be Cyber Aware: Why regular software updates are important
  32. Cyber Attack: Wiltshire School
  33. Keeping your IT systems safe and secure
  34. Why we recommend using PIN codes on printers
  35. Types of Cyber Attacks: DDoS Attacks
  36. Types of Cyber Attacks: Phishing
  37. Types of Cyber Attacks: The Insider Threat
  38. Why your data is profitable to cyber criminals
  39. Types of malware and how they are linked to data protection
  40. How a school fought back after a cyberattack
  41. Types of Cyber Attacks - Credential Stuffing
  42. January Cyber update - How Can Schools Help Prevent Cyber Attacks?
  43. The Education sector now at highest risk of cyber attacks
  44. Cyber Attacks
  45. Emails – good practice and minimising the risk of a data breach

©2026 Data Protection Education Ltd.

Search