The evolving student password: Integrating security into digital transformation

Digital transformation is happening faster than ever in multi-academy trusts. This brings many opportunities to schools – automation for overworked teachers, personalized learning plans for students, and better data for admins making decisions on budgeting and curriculum. 

However, digital transformation can have a dark side: cyberattacks. Today, nearly half of web-based breaches involve weak credentials – leaving sensitive student data at risk to hackers. 

This article outlines three key considerations to ensure that your digital security plans are in lockstep with your digital transformation strategy, including: 

• Secure, simple access 
• Password management 
• Multi-factor authentication

Note: While this article focuses on credentials, we recognize this is just one aspect of bolstering cybersecurity protections. Learn more about all of the ways Clever supports UK Schools here. 

Stage 1: Simplify access while maintaining security

For young learners, traditional passwords can be frustrating and easily forgotten. Some students may not even know how to type, which can lead to an overreliance on teachers helping students log in or using shared, weak passwords. Developing a cybersecurity culture amongst young students starts with building practices around safe access, starting with easy, passwordless single sign-on.

Clever Badges, a secure, physical encrypted password, allow young students to log in by simply scanning a unique code with a device, reducing barriers to access while maintaining security. This method eliminates the need to use weak passwords (or write them down) and makes it easier to use complex, unique passphrases on the backend. 

Watch Clever Badges in action

Stage 2: Building skills – typing strong passwords

As pupils progress into Key Stage 2 and secondary school, it’s crucial they begin typing secure passphrases—and understanding why they matter. This includes avoiding personal details, using a mix of characters, and never reusing credentials.

Strong passwords are a core part of any trust’s cybersecurity posture—and of a student’s digital education.

Clever’s secure password management helps multi-academy trusts create memorable, complex passphrases for pupils and staff of all ages. A centralised, secure credential system also reduces password resets and support tickets—freeing up time for IT teams and keeping learning on track.

Learn more about secure password management

Stage 3: Advanced protection – adding multi-factor authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds a vital second layer of defence, protecting user accounts even if a password is compromised. One common misconception is that MFA is difficult to implement in schools or disruptive to the classroom. But it doesn’t have to be.

Clever’s Classroom MFA is built for education. It integrates seamlessly with Google, Chromebooks, and Entra ID—without the need for a second device. Pupils and staff can verify access quickly and securely, with no disruption to teaching and learning.

Watch Classroom MFA in action

With schools now managing more sensitive digital information than ever before, cyberattacks pose risks to student addresses, financial details, staff information and other personal data tied to HR, Finance and other departments.  As cyber threats continue to grow, digital transformation needs to include securing every user’s digital identity with evolving, robust password strategies is essential to protect students and staff alike.