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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).

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