Schools, universities, and further education providers might not seem an obvious target for cybercriminals. There are far more lucrative and high-profile targets out in the wider economy, so why attack a school or college? Unfortunately, education providers’ lower profile doesn’t protect them from cybercrime. In May 2020, Microsoft Security Intelligence found that 61% of nearly 7.7 million malware encounters came from those in the education sector. There has also been a rapid rise in the number of cyberattacks on schools, universities and colleges. September 2020 and February 2021 saw a spike in ransomware attacks on the sector, prompting the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to urge the education providers to take action to better protect themselves.

It’s not hard to understand the NCSC’s concern. For those education providers who do suffer a breach, the consequences can be severe. For example, the government’s 2021 cybersecurity breaches survey found that a third of schools that suffered a breach lost control of their systems, data, or money. For institutions with already stretched budgets, being required to pay a ransom for the return of sensitive data spells potential disaster. Meanwhile, any systems outages caused by a successful attack could prove detrimental to students’ education – particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when most teaching has been virtual.

Studies show the education sector is one of the least well-protected. Last year, a hacker simulation test proved 100% successful in breaching 50 universities across the country. The test was able to access student and staff personal data, financial systems, and valuable research networks. It’s not just that schools, colleges and universities often lack sufficient defences to repel attacks, they’re also filled with hundreds or even thousands of staff all using the internet. It only takes one miss key depression on a phishing email or bogus website to give cyber criminals access to a trove of sensitive data. You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘Cyber Essentials’ mentioned, but what is it?

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification scheme that covers the essential actions every organisation should take to ensure its digital security and protection from cyberattacks. Think of it as ‘cyber hygiene’ – a bit like washing your hands, brushing your teeth or wearing a face mask.

Is your internet connection secure?
Are the most secure settings switched on for every company device?
Do you have full control over who is accessing your data and services?
Do you have adequate protection against viruses and malware?
Are devices and software updated with the latest versions?

Once you understand these basic controls and have them in place, Cyber Essentials requires you to fill out a self-assessment questionnaire confirming your organisation’s devices and systems meet the criteria. You then sign and submit for review by a certification body. If all goes well, your organisation is passed and can consider itself secured to the UK government standard. This is renewed year on year.

Cyber Essentials Plus is an independently assured assessment of the school’s compliance with the Scheme. Government departments including the ESFA are already using Cyber Essentials Plus as a more rigorous due diligence requirement. This certification process includes vulnerability scans on the inside and outside of the school or trust IT network.

First Class offer expert guidance to ensure you pass first time. Contact us on 01543 414152.

First Class reduces the Cyber Essentials certification time from months to a matter of days.

First Class partners with TrilbyTV to create the perfect solution to broadcast information and news around your campus.

Unlimited screens
The unlimited screen subscription enables any educational establishment to connect as many screens as required, perhaps starting with a simple one or two screen subscription, then grow as required.

Your content on your screens
As you already create loads of content in the classroom and beyond, TrilbyTV gives you a great place to share it alongside messages and school information. Upload from any device via the web app or with dedicated iPad app.

Manage and schedule
TrilbyTV automatically refreshes your screens with the latest content you add, keeping your signage up to date. For more control, create playlists and set schedules so content displays where and when you need it to.

Familiar hardware
TrilbyTV can playback your content on all common devices. If you already have a TV screen, you probably already have a suitable player device.

First Class takes away the strain, by delivering a digital signage solution, incorporating TrilbyTV with the screens you already have on site. We can help network the system together, to create a manageable solution that you can operate internally.


School Announcements, News and Events
Getting a message quickly on all signage screens with TrilbyTV is easy. When the snow rolls in, or there’s a last-minute change to assembly time, grab the TrilbyTV Announce app and in a couple of taps you can broadcast your critical/important message around your school, college or campus.


Call First Class on 01543 414152 for advice on the next step to create your bespoke solution.

First Class Technologies collects and stores redundant IT equipment for contract clients.

Periodically, EEE4D who are based in Stoke on Trent and part of the nationwide Community Recycling Consortium, visits to collect the defunct kit including PCs, laptops, servers, monitors and other redundant WEEE equipment.

First Class Technologies has been pleased to use their services for over seven years. EEE4Disadvantaged CIO is a registered charity number 1198183. They recycle redundant IT equipment to fund training and employment for people with mental health issues or physical disabilities. Following collection, a certificate is emailed to clients that lists items received, with serial numbers and dates. Hard disk drives are removed and rendered inoperable, before recycling the components. Equipment is recycled in a secure, legal, environmentally friendly and ethical way.

As part of its community focus, EEE4D collects, dismantles and recycles redundant computers, laptops, tablets, iPads, servers and other electronic goods from schools, colleges and SME businesses across Staffordshire, West Midlands, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

If you have a particularly large volume of equipment to dispose of, we can arrange a special visit by EEE4D to your premises.

Following collections, EEE4D provides a disposal log with serial numbers of all items disposed of. When HDDs have been removed and disposed of, EEE4D certificate the work, issuing a report of serial numbers and dates of HDD disposal.

Contact us to arrange a time and date to drop off your redundant unwanted equipment to us or book a direct collection from EEE4D.

Since the pandemic, some companies are taking the decision to move to alternative premises as their working practices have changed.

Moving office is no simple task! But with the right planning and professional support, the stress of an office relocation can be reduced, and everything can be moved from place A to place B seamlessly, with no downtime.

First Class Technologies has helped many clients move premises, without losing any connectivity or customer contact. So, if you are planning an office move, here are 7 tips to help you move your office, and your IT infrastructure, without a glitch.

Tip 1: Make a plan. Check the plan. Then plan a bit more!

You can’t do enough planning when it comes to an office relocation! It’s always useful to have a number of people involved in planning the move, to share out some of the tasks and evaluate decisions.

Make sure to visit the new premises regularly, so you become familiar with it before moving day. Whilst you’re there, map out the location of important facilities such as power sockets, telephone ports etc. to help you plan your new office layout.

Devise an idea of what equipment will go where, and get that signed off and agreed in advance.

Be sure to involve your IT support team. Invite them to visit the site with you, so they can check data cabling requirements, Wi-Fi, networks, connectivity and other important aspects.

Tip 2. Evaluate what equipment you need to take, dispose of or upgrade.

Office moves are a great time to review what you have, think about what you need to invest in, and decide what needs to be upgraded or disposed of.

Do a thorough review of all existing equipment before you move. After all, there’s no point paying to have something relocated if it’s no longer fit for purpose, or if you’re going to replace it shortly anyway.

See what options there are to recycle any unwanted equipment to help other people or businesses. For example, First Class Technologies works with a local charitable initiative in Staffordshire that recycles IT equipment to help people who don’t have access to technology. If this might be useful for your office move, please get in touch and we’ll supply you with details.

As well as reviewing equipment, an office move is the perfect time to de-clutter other areas of the office – from paper documents to the office stationery cupboard – as it’s amazing what gets stored away for years yet is no longer required. Moving premises is a great opportunity for a good clear out, to help save money on your office move and save space in your new place. Just don’t forget to recycle any wastepaper wherever possible, and to securely shred any confidential information.

Tip 3. Future Proof Your Plans

Once you have an idea of the layout of the new office, take some time to review it in light of any future changes.

Might you be taking on any more staff so need to incorporate more desks further down the line?

Could there be any organisational structure changes that might affect how each area is laid out?

We know you don’t have a crystal ball and can’t foresee the future, but if you can try to think ahead it might help you to build in some contingencies and future proof your business going forward.

Consult your IT team when you’re putting your plans together. If, like First Class, they are experienced in office moves, they’ll be able to add value with their thoughts and ideas.

Tip 4. Get your move in the diary, and keep everyone informed.

You’ll no doubt need the help of other businesses to complete your move, so be sure to contact these suppliers as early as possible, to get your project booked in. For example, it can take time to get services connected at a new venue, so that might impact your move date.

Be sure to keep all your suppliers up to date with any changes that might affect the work they’re doing for you, so you’re all working to the same project dates and deadlines. It’s a difficult job trying to co-ordinate different aspects of a project to make sure everyone you need is available when you need them!

And don’t forget to keep all your business colleagues in the loop too, through internal chats, newsletters or the company intranet!

Ensure you involve your IT support team in the move, and see if there is any help or advice they can provide before the move date to make the relocation easier. For example, they might suggest you start to label all the IT and communications equipment, so it arrives in the right location in the new office. Similarly, finding a way to match the right cables and peripherals with the right devices can save a lot of hassle when everything is getting re-connected.

Make sure to give your IT team as much notice as possible, to ensure they have the resources to help you in advance of the move, and on moving day itself.

Tip 5. Protect your data!

To protect all your digital data, make sure everything is backed-up before you move. Your IT support team will be able to help you with this, to ensure there are sufficient back-ups in place to ensure no data losses should anything unexpected happen to any equipment during the move.

In terms of paper records, make sure any files and archive boxes are clearly labelled and securely sealed. You may wish to consider converting paper files into electronic documents using a professional document scanning company before the move, to save taking lots of paper files to your new premises.

Tip 6. Consider timing!

As well as considering the timing regarding co-ordinating all the move suppliers, think about your move date from your business perspective. After all, an office relocation is stressful enough, without doing it during a busy period!

If possible, try to arrange some cross-over time between leaving one office and moving into another to give you some breathing space, and the option to move the business in stages if required.

Don’t forget to inform all your clients, customers and suppliers in advance of your move – and update all your address information in all the places it is listed, including your website, Google and social media.

Tip 7. Ensure you use professionals to help you relocate and re-connect all your IT equipment safely.

It goes without saying that there is a lot of expensive equipment involved in an IT relocation and office move, and also lots of important data being moved too, either stored within your technology or in hard copy form, so make sure you use professionals who not only have the knowledge and experience to help you, but also the right insurance cover should anything go wrong!

Use a trusted IT partner to help.

There are lots of pitfalls to avoid with an office move, but with the right planning and IT support to help you, it can all go smoothly.

Any IT relocation issues that cause a problem to the smooth running of your business, such as lack of internet or telephony services, computer downtime or network failures, can cost you money and affect the quality of your customer service, which may have a knock-on effect for your reputation.

Put your office move and IT equipment in safe hands by contacting First Class Technologies.

4 reasons to go with Pro!

One of the things we strongly recommend when looking for a new laptop or desktop for your business is to ensure it has Windows Pro rather than Windows Home.

So why do we make the recommendation?

Home edition will work perfectly well for a business and there is no legal reason why you can’t use home edition in a business.

However, Windows Home, as its name suggests, is designed for the home user. This means a single computer and a printer and data that is not commercially sensitive, and it works fantastically well in that environment.

Windows Pro is what we recommend for businesses. This is because it gives increased security and system management.

Pro is a little more expensive, but there are some important features that you get in Windows Pro that you don’t get in Home. We’ve listed the 4 main reasons we recommend Windows Pro below, and why these features can be beneficial to your business.

4 reasons to upgrade to Microsoft Windows Pro rather than use Windows Home

Reason 1: Microsoft Update for Business
One of the most useful features of Windows Pro is the ability to control updates.

You’ve all experienced the frustration of an ill-timed Windows reboot as an update is installed, but even more serious than an inconvenient reboot is the fact that some Windows updates can cause massive issues, especially if people are using older software.

The ability to delay installation means that thorough testing can be carried out to ensure compatibility before rolling the update out.

With Windows Home you can only delay installation by a few hours. However, with Pro you can delay features updates for up to 365 days, and quality updates for 30 days.

Reason 2: BitLocker
Microsoft’s encryption software, BitLocker will protect your files from being accessed if your PC is lost or stolen.

Locking down your data isn’t 100% fool-proof, but it’s a layer of security that you really should be using in your business, especially for remote workers and those who travel for work.

There are free third-party tools that you can use instead of BitLocker, but these are not as well integrated as Microsoft’s offering. With BitLocker, your decryption key is deployed seamlessly when you enter your Windows laptop.

Reason 3: Domain Join & Group Policy
Our third reason for recommending Windows Pro is that you cannot join a Windows Home PC to your business domain.

A Windows domain is essentially a network of controlled computers used in a business. At least one server, called a domain controller, is in charge of the other devices. This lets the network administrators (usually IT staff or your external IT support) control the computers on the domain.

Unlike a personal machine, a domain-connected PC doesn’t use local account logins. Instead, the domain controller manages the logins. Using Microsoft’s Active Directory, which is user management software, the network administrators can easily create new users and disable old ones.

This is important for businesses, as it means whoever is in control of the systems can delete any users who are a potential security risk. If these users try to log in with their old password, they’ll see a message advising of the denied access. System controllers can also add users to specific groups to allow access to private server folders.

A domain allows the control of several computers at the same time. Without it, IT staff would have to individually manage each computer, which is obviously not scalable, so is only really practical for very small companies. It could also mean an increase in IT support costs because of the amount of work involved in every change.

A domain also allows the use of Group Policy, which allows administrators to configure all sorts of security and use policies for all computers.

Reason 4: Remote Desktop Connection
Both Home and Pro machines can start a Remote Desktop Connection. This allows the primary machine to control the secondary machine and all of its resources. However, a home machine cannot be remotely controlled. That’s only available on Pro machines.

Windows Home machines can be remotely assisted. This means that the Windows primary machine controls the secondary machine, and the secondary-display mirrors the primary-display. Remote Assistance is useful as an educational tool, for example, a remote technician can show someone how to adjust the graphics settings, by moving their mouse.

The upshot is that work machines can be accessed from home. But home machines can be controlled only from work. If you run a small business, Remote Desktop Connection is another reason to consider Windows Pro.

Should your business upgrade from Windows Home to Windows Pro?
As with any business decision, you need to weigh up risk and reward. If you’ve got sensitive data and you spend a lot of time out of the office then BitLocker alone could be worth the upgrade price. Similarly, if you’re looking to grow and get a domain then getting existing machines on the correct operating system now would make sense.

If the price difference between a new laptop with Home and Pro is just a few pounds then it makes sense to get the Pro version.

The tools within Windows Pro will provide greater security, regardless of the size of your business. It will also make you much easier to support for a professional IT support company. The likelihood is that a provider will insist on the upgrade when taking over your IT support.

If you are running Windows Home in your business and you want to upgrade to Windows Pro then you’re looking at a cost of £119.99 from the Microsoft Store or contact First Class Technologies. First Class Technologies cost as of December 2022 is £75 +VAT (£90 including VAT).

For more information about Windows Home vs Windows Pro, please contact our friendly team at First Class.