I’m Jon Brogan, an IT professional with over a decade of experience, and I currently work as the Senior IT Technician and Information Security Officer at The Maplesden Noakes School.
I started out in web development and marketing, but quickly realised I had a knack for IT systems and network management. Over the years, I’ve led some major IT infrastructure projects, especially in schools. One project I’m really proud of involved completely overhauling a school’s entire network without causing any disruption— quite the challenge, especially as servers were already failing when I arrived!
When ransomware attacks started targeting schools, I started looking into how I could protect my school (I went to Maplesden as a student, and now work there, so it’s definitely “my school”). So I spoke with the Headteacher and Head of School about my ideas for a new role of Information Security Officer and got to work. Since then I’ve overhauled the schools cyber security, and introduced regular phishing tests and email reporting automation for all staff. It’s made a massive difference in keeping our school aware and protected.
I’m also the chair of the Schools Cyber Security Forum (SCSF), which is a working group for schools across the UK. We get together three times a year to share ideas, experiences, and solutions to help keep our schools safe from cyber threats. I strongly believe that schools need to work together to overcome the risks we all face.
Right now, I’m juggling my full-time job with earning a degree in Cybersecurity from The Open University, and I’m also working toward certifications from Cisco and EC-Council. It’s a lot, but I’m passionate about it and committed to growing in this field.