Where used well, they create unprecedented opportunities, enable collaboration and sharing of ideas, save time and resource, enable smoother transitions for ākonga and learners and help teachers, kura and schools, parents and whānau support their tamariki to succeed.

But there are risks that pose considerable threats to cyber safety, security, data privacy and operational resilience if not adequately managed.

Improving cyber security and data privacy in the education sector is a critical priority for the Ministry, particularly in the schooling sector. Kura and schools are largely responsible for managing their own digital environments, but their capacity and capability to do so is greatly variable and often less than is needed, particularly in the context of escalating risk.

In 2021, the Ministry provided advice to the Minister of Education on the cyber security risks and other digital challenges faced by kura and schools and proposed the need for significant extra support.

We have subsequently established a Cyber Security and Digital Support for Kura and Schools programme, working closely with sector groups on projects aimed at creating safer, more resilient and effective online environments for education that support the achievement of ākonga and learners.