Half of UK education professionals worried about AI risks

New research from Sharp has highlighted significant concerns among education professionals regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on cybersecurity.

Sharp's survey of over 11,000 employees across Europe, which included over 1,000 respondents from the UK, revealed that half of the employees in the education sector are anxious about AI exacerbating cybersecurity risks. These concerns have emerged in the context of a recent UK government decision to invest over GBP £1 million into a project aimed at developing an AI tool for the education sector.

The study underscored that a third of respondents believe AI could complicate the detection of cyber-attacks. "AI is transforming the cybersecurity landscape, presenting both opportunities and significant challenges," explained Matt Riley, Data Protection and Information Security Officer at Sharp UK and Europe. "This research highlights a critical concern; many education professionals feel underprepared to navigate the risks AI introduces, which is particularly worrying given recent UK government announcements on AI investment in the education sector."

Riley also pointed out that educational institutions often have tighter budgets and less spending flexibility compared to businesses, which could impede their ability to effectively respond to these increasing threats. "Threat actors are well aware of these vulnerabilities, targeting schools and universities that may lack the necessary technology solutions and cybersecurity training to defend themselves," he added. "As AI technology inevitably becomes more embedded into both public and private sector workplaces, organisations must step up to address the training gap and empower employees with the tools and knowledge to mitigate threats and protect sensitive data."

Besides concerns about AI, the lack of confidence among education professionals in identifying potential cyber threats is also a significant issue. Only 30% of those surveyed felt confident in their ability to spot and avoid potential cyber threats, which is 7% below the national average.

The research further indicated that stress levels have risen, with 24% of respondents expressing increased concern compared to last year about making mistakes at work that could lead to cybersecurity breaches. Riley noted: "Unlike businesses, educational institutions often operate with tighter budgets and less flexibility over spending, making it harder for them to respond effectively to emerging threats."

The survey exposed considerable gaps in cybersecurity training, as over a quarter (26%) of education workers said they have not had formal cybersecurity training in the past year or do not recall the last time they did. Alarmingly, close to 20% of respondents disclosed they have never received any cybersecurity training, underscoring an urgent need for improved educational and awareness initiatives in the sector.

The implications of these findings suggest a pressing requirement for better cybersecurity education and resources to support the education sector, particularly as AI continues to evolve and integrate into various operational landscapes.