Cyberattacks are no longer a distant threat—they’re a growing reality for independent schools. In this episode, Mikel Pearce, General Counsel and Breach Coach Relationship Manager at CyberClan, joins host Karl Boehm to break down what schools need to do before, during, and after a cyber breach.
If you’re a school leader, administrator, or IT decision-maker, this episode will give you clear next steps to strengthen your school’s defenses and prepare for the unexpected.
What’s Covered:
1. The Growing Threat to Schools

Why schools—regardless of size—are prime targets for cybercriminals.
Real-world examples of breaches and their devastating impacts.

2. Immediate Response Steps When a Breach Occurs

How to identify a breach (e.g., locked systems, ransom demands).
The critical first actions: Disconnecting systems, preserving logs, and activating your incident response team.

3. To Pay or Not to Pay? Navigating Ransomware Demands

Legal and ethical considerations when facing a ransom demand.
The risks of paying (or not paying) and how sanctions laws may limit your options.

4. Communication During a Crisis

How to inform staff, parents, and students without email access.
Crafting transparent messaging to maintain trust.

5. Long-Term Cybersecurity Strategies

The importance of offline, air-gapped backups.
Employee training to prevent phishing attacks (the #1 breach vector).
Why investing in cybersecurity now is cheaper than recovering later.

Mikel’s Top Takeaways for School Leaders:

Assume You’ll Be Targeted—No school is “too small” for cybercriminals.
Disconnect First—Unplug from the internet immediately to limit damage.
Never Turn Off Devices—Preserve logs for forensic investigation.
Plan Communications Now—Have a mass-text system or WhatsApp group ready.
Start Small, But Start—Even basic email security and staff training reduce risk.

Resourced & Links:

CyberClan’s Website: CyberClan.com
Connect with Mikel Pearce: LinkedIn  
Visit the Podcast Website: Help100Schools.com
Listen to the Full Episode: Click here to play

Join the Conversation:
Has your school faced a cyber incident? Share your lessons learned in the comments or tag us on social media!
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