RM Technology, a leading supplier of technology to the UK education sector, today announced a partnership with Police CyberAlarm to help defend schools across the UK and bolster their cyber security defences. This collaboration provides a robust solution designed to protect educational environments from a growing number of online threats.
Registering with the Police CyberAlarm service is a mandatory condition for schools that use the DfE’s Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA), an alternative to commercial insurance. RM Technology has proactively integrated the Police CyberAlarm service into its comprehensive cyber security offering, making it a standard part of the RM Broadband package to ensure all schools are protected.
Police CyberAlarm is a free, non-intrusive monitoring tool that identifies and reports on malicious traffic scanning a user's website or network. By providing schools with this valuable intelligence, the service helps them to understand the threats their learners and staff face and take proactive steps to protect their digital assets.
In today’s interconnected world, cyber threats are a constant and evolving challenge for the school community. According to the Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey[1],60% of secondary schools and 44% of primary schools identified a cyber breach or attack in 2024. The survey also found that phishing is the most common attack type, with over 90% of institutions reporting attempts.
Over the last year, 1,116 critical vulnerabilities were detected by Police CyberAlarm, with 52% of these being in the education sector. Furthermore, 131 critical vulnerability notifications were issued to the education sector over the last year. The system can also identify a firewall device from which it is receiving member data, allowing the Police CyberAlarm team to issue targeted notifications about new vulnerabilities. This year they have delivered 1,303 targeted notifications on new vulnerabilities to member organisations.
Will Digby, Connectivity Product Manager, RM Technology said
Andrew Richmond, National Co-Ordinator, Police CyberAlarm said
Police CyberAlarm is more than just a tool; it’s part of a mission to protect organisations from the often-devastating consequences of cybercrime. It’s free, police-led, and funded by the Home Office, because we believe that early warning and prevention are crucial. I’m incredibly proud of how it empowers schools to take control of their cybersecurity while contributing to a stronger, united defence across the sector. By joining, schools not only make themselves safer, but they also help us build a clearer picture of the threat landscape, ensuring schools receive meaningful support based on the threats that matter most to them.”
RM Technology: James Peverill
M: 07545 380 231 / E: jpeverill@rm.com
RM Technology has shaped future generations for fifty years by implementing innovative technology solutions in schools and colleges. Founded in 1973, we’re a trusted Edtech partner, transforming teaching environments to be more productive, resilient, and sustainable.
Police CyberAlarm is a free cybersecurity monitoring service, funded by the Home Office and supported by the UK Government, delivered through police forces across the country. First launched in 2018, it was developed to give businesses, charities, public sector bodies, and educational institutions a simple way to strengthen their resilience against cybercrime.
Working like CCTV for your network, the service monitors traffic coming into an organisation’s network to spot signs of suspicious or malicious activity. The system does not inspect the content of traffic or gather sensitive data; instead, it collects anonymised metadata that helps members understand their exposure to cyber threats while also supporting law enforcement with a clearer national picture of cybercrime.
By installing a data collector, members gain access to tailored reports that identify potential vulnerabilities and incidents, enabling them to strengthen their defences and reduce risk. Aligned with the UK’s wider cyber security strategy and the guidance of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Police CyberAlarm is a strong example of how government, policing, and private industry can work together to defend against the rapidly evolving digital threat landscape. [https://cyberalarm.police.u
[1] Rizvi, S. (2025). Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025: Education Institutions Findings. Inhttps://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2025/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2025-education-institutions-findings.