School ICT News Bulletin No. 339 - 21/05/2026 Published by ICT Solutions eBulletin Items Phishing email sent by Norse Group A reminder to remain vigilant when checking emails ICT Solutions Academy contracts School Attendance data sharing and statutory returns: Changes to data collection - May 2026 New Cyber Security Hub issued by DfE Powering off core network equipment over the half term period Changes to Google Photos backup settings in Google Drive for desktop Update Microsoft PowerPoint to maintain captions Important information - Supply issues affecting some IT quotations 1. Phishing email sent by Norse Group We have become aware today of an email that has been sent recently by Norse Group (@norsegroup.co.uk) with a subject of – 2915857 - Norse Group. This is a phishing email that prompts a user to sign in with their Microsoft credentials. If you have received this email, please delete it and if you have signed in then ensure you contact your IT support immediately to change your password and check your account for any suspicious activity. 2. A reminder to remain vigilant when checking emails We would like to remind you to remain vigilant if checking emails over the forthcoming holiday period. Cyber security is frequently in the news and there have been a number of high-profile ones in recent months impacting large companies, schools and councils. Phishing is when attackers attempt to trick users into doing 'the wrong thing', such as clicking a bad link that will download malware or direct them to a suspicious website. Attacks can install ransomware, sabotage systems, or steal intellectual property and money. It can be conducted via a text message, social media, or by phone, but the term 'phishing' is mainly used to describe attacks that arrive by email. These types of emails can reach millions of users directly and hide amongst the huge number of emails that busy users receive. During the Easter holiday period, we saw multiple schools compromised, following an email which referenced a Purchase Order, which in turn led to a fake Microsoft log in page. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s usually because it isn’t. Please think before you click! 3. ICT Solutions Academy contracts We have commenced sending the renewal contracts to Academies for 2026-27. These will be sent via email with a link to our Client Portal and will not appear on SLA Online. For any new or change of contract quotes, please email ict@norfolk.gov.uk with your request. 4. School Attendance data sharing and statutory returns: Changes to data collection - May 2026 The Local Authority is moving their method of collection of attendance data from Groupcall Xporter to Wonde. More details can be found at the following link - https://www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk/article/78012?dm_i=7MOA,2Q23X,3UPZRG,6DH83,1,0,0,0, which was shared via the e-Courier on 05/05/2026. Please can we ask that you do not disconnect your Groupcall connection until you are advised. For more information, please contact - attendancedatacollection@norfolk.gov.uk 5. New Cyber Security Hub issued by DfE The DfE have recently issued a new guide on what you need to know and do to strengthen your school's cyber security. The information is for early years, primary and secondary schools in England. The link is as follows - https://cyber-security-hub.education.gov.uk/ 6. Powering off core network equipment over the half term period We would like to ask schools to refrain from turning off the power to the core networking equipment over the forthcoming half term period. Core networking equipment includes routers, switches, and servers, often in a wall or floor cabinet. These devices are monitored by ourselves, Rydal and Schools Broadband and turning off the power results in false alarms. This could potentially result in you incurring a charge for an engineer visit. Please can we also kindly ask those schools who house LoRaWAN gateways to leave these powered on over the holidays, as they serve the community. If there is no alternative to powering off the equipment, because of planned work, for example, please advise us in advance. For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk 7. Changes to Google Photos backup settings in Google Drive for desktop Google is transitioning desktop photo backups from the Google Drive for desktop interface to a dedicated experience via the Google Photos website or the Google Photos Progressive Web App (PWA). Previous behaviour: Google Drive for desktop allowed users to configure desktop folders for backup directly to Google Photos. New behaviour: This functionality will be migrated to a new, dedicated experience on the Google Photos website. To continue backing up their folders to Google Photos, users will need to reselect their preferred backup folders in the new Google Photos interface. Any items previously backed up will remain in Google Photos. When this will happen Starting June 15, 2026: In-app notifications will begin prompting users to transition to Google Photos. Configuration of new backup folders in the Google Drive for desktop interface will no longer be available. Existing folders will continue to sync. Starting August 10, 2026: Google Drive for desktop will end support for Google Photos backup. Who is affected Any users who have used Google Drive for desktop photo backup in the last 30 days. What you can do to prepare To ensure uninterrupted service, users must complete the following actions before August 10, 2026: Navigate to the Google Photos website or the Google Photos Progressive Web App (PWA). Reselect the preferred desktop folders for backup. Ensure the browser tab for the Google Photos website or the PWA remains open to allow the auto-backup process to complete. For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or email ict@norfolk.gov.uk 8. Update Microsoft PowerPoint to maintain captions To maintain a high-quality and reliable experience for live Captions & Subtitles in the Microsoft 365 PowerPoint app, Microsoft is upgrading the backend service that supports this capability. As part of this improvement, older Office client versions will no longer be supported. Updating to the minimum required PowerPoint version ensures continued accessibility, performance, and reliability. When this will happen Upgrade by the end of September 2026 Who is affected Organizations using Microsoft 365 PowerPoint app (Win32 or Mac) Users running PowerPoint versions earlier than: Windows (Win32): 16.0.19426.20218 macOS: 16.103.1207.4 What will happen Users on unsupported versions will lose access to Captions & Subtitles after the listed dates. There is no change for users on supported versions. What you can do to prepare Review PowerPoint client versions across your organization (Windows and Mac). Update Office clients to: Windows (Win32): 16.0.19426.20218 or later macOS: 16.103.1207.4 or later For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or email ict@norfolk.gov.uk 9. Important information - Supply issues affecting some IT quotations We would like to share an important update regarding the current global component supply environment and how it may impact quotations for certain IT equipment, like desktops and laptops, for example. The technology sector is experiencing broad global constraints across several critical components, most notably memory and certain processor categories. These conditions are being driven by unprecedented demand from large-scale AI infrastructure deployments, combined with supply-side limitations, geopolitical factors, and ongoing shifts in semiconductor manufacturing capacity. This situation is affecting all major OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and customers worldwide across both client and infrastructure portfolios. At the same time, supplier pricing for these components continues to increase rapidly as industry demand exceeds available capacity. Industry analysts indicate that pricing pressures are expected to continue in the coming quarters as these conditions persist. For example, analysts forecast that global memory chip prices could rise by 40–50% in the first quarter of 2026, with further increases likely in the second quarter. Price increases are also expected from CPU (Central Processing Unit) suppliers. As a result, the availability of certain components and system configurations is less predictable than in the past, and pricing for systems containing these components continues to adjust in line with ongoing supplier cost increases. What this means is: • Some configurations may experience extended lead times or limited availability due to component allocation constraints • Previously accepted configurations or orders may need to be revisited where component allocation cannot be secured • Pricing for systems containing constrained components may require adjustment to reflect the current supplier cost environment • Where possible, we may propose alternative configurations where supply confidence is significantly higher • Quote, bid, and contract validity periods will be shortened to reflect the pace at which component pricing and availability are changing across the industry We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but the situation is outside of our control. For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

School ICT News Bulletin No. 339 - 21/05/2026

Published by ICT Solutions

eBulletin Items

Phishing email sent by Norse Group
A reminder to remain vigilant when checking emails
ICT Solutions Academy contracts
School Attendance data sharing and statutory returns: Changes to data collection - May 2026
New Cyber Security Hub issued by DfE
Powering off core network equipment over the half term period
Changes to Google Photos backup settings in Google Drive for desktop
Update Microsoft PowerPoint to maintain captions
Important information - Supply issues affecting some IT quotations

1. Phishing email sent by Norse Group

We have become aware today of an email that has been sent recently by Norse Group (@norsegroup.co.uk) with a subject of – 2915857 - Norse Group. This is a phishing email that prompts a user to sign in with their Microsoft credentials.

If you have received this email, please delete it and if you have signed in then ensure you contact your IT support immediately to change your password and check your account for any suspicious activity.

2. A reminder to remain vigilant when checking emails

We would like to remind you to remain vigilant if checking emails over the forthcoming holiday period. Cyber security is frequently in the news and there have been a number of high-profile ones in recent months impacting large companies, schools and councils.

Phishing is when attackers attempt to trick users into doing 'the wrong thing', such as clicking a bad link that will download malware or direct them to a suspicious website. Attacks can install ransomware, sabotage systems, or steal intellectual property and money.

It can be conducted via a text message, social media, or by phone, but the term 'phishing' is mainly used to describe attacks that arrive by email. These types of emails can reach millions of users directly and hide amongst the huge number of emails that busy users receive. During the Easter holiday period, we saw multiple schools compromised, following an email which referenced a Purchase Order, which in turn led to a fake Microsoft log in page.

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s usually because it isn’t. Please think before you click!

3. ICT Solutions Academy contracts

We have commenced sending the renewal contracts to Academies for 2026-27. These will be sent via email with a link to our Client Portal and will not appear on SLA Online.

For any new or change of contract quotes, please email ict@norfolk.gov.uk with your request.

4. School Attendance data sharing and statutory returns: Changes to data collection - May 2026

The Local Authority is moving their method of collection of attendance data from Groupcall Xporter to Wonde. More details can be found at the following link - https://www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk/article/78012?dm_i=7MOA,2Q23X,3UPZRG,6DH83,1,0,0,0, which was shared via the e-Courier on 05/05/2026.

Please can we ask that you do not disconnect your Groupcall connection until you are advised.

For more information, please contact - attendancedatacollection@norfolk.gov.uk

5. New Cyber Security Hub issued by DfE

The DfE have recently issued a new guide on what you need to know and do to strengthen your school's cyber security. The information is for early years, primary and secondary schools in England.

The link is as follows - https://cyber-security-hub.education.gov.uk/

6. Powering off core network equipment over the half term period

We would like to ask schools to refrain from turning off the power to the core networking equipment over the forthcoming half term period. Core networking equipment includes routers, switches, and servers, often in a wall or floor cabinet. These devices are monitored by ourselves, Rydal and Schools Broadband and turning off the power results in false alarms. This could potentially result in you incurring a charge for an engineer visit.

Please can we also kindly ask those schools who house LoRaWAN gateways to leave these powered on over the holidays, as they serve the community.

If there is no alternative to powering off the equipment, because of planned work, for example, please advise us in advance.

For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

7. Changes to Google Photos backup settings in Google Drive for desktop

Google is transitioning desktop photo backups from the Google Drive for desktop interface to a dedicated experience via the Google Photos website or the Google Photos Progressive Web App (PWA).

Previous behaviour: Google Drive for desktop allowed users to configure desktop folders for backup directly to Google Photos.
New behaviour: This functionality will be migrated to a new, dedicated experience on the Google Photos website.
- To continue backing up their folders to Google Photos, users will need to reselect their preferred backup folders in the new Google Photos interface.
- Any items previously backed up will remain in Google Photos.

When this will happen

Starting June 15, 2026: In-app notifications will begin prompting users to transition to Google Photos.
- Configuration of new backup folders in the Google Drive for desktop interface will no longer be available.
- Existing folders will continue to sync.
Starting August 10, 2026: Google Drive for desktop will end support for Google Photos backup.

Who is affected

Any users who have used Google Drive for desktop photo backup in the last 30 days.

What you can do to prepare

To ensure uninterrupted service, users must complete the following actions before August 10, 2026:

Navigate to the Google Photos website or the Google Photos Progressive Web App (PWA).
Reselect the preferred desktop folders for backup.
Ensure the browser tab for the Google Photos website or the PWA remains open to allow the auto-backup process to complete.

For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or email ict@norfolk.gov.uk

8. Update Microsoft PowerPoint to maintain captions

To maintain a high-quality and reliable experience for live Captions & Subtitles in the Microsoft 365 PowerPoint app, Microsoft is upgrading the backend service that supports this capability. As part of this improvement, older Office client versions will no longer be supported. Updating to the minimum required PowerPoint version ensures continued accessibility, performance, and reliability.

When this will happen

Upgrade by the end of September 2026

Who is affected

Organizations using Microsoft 365 PowerPoint app (Win32 or Mac)

Users running PowerPoint versions earlier than:

Windows (Win32): 16.0.19426.20218
macOS: 16.103.1207.4

What will happen

Users on unsupported versions will lose access to Captions & Subtitles after the listed dates.

There is no change for users on supported versions.

What you can do to prepare

Review PowerPoint client versions across your organization (Windows and Mac).

Update Office clients to:

Windows (Win32): 16.0.19426.20218 or later
macOS: 16.103.1207.4 or later

For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or email ict@norfolk.gov.uk

9. Important information - Supply issues affecting some IT quotations

We would like to share an important update regarding the current global component supply environment and how it may impact quotations for certain IT equipment, like desktops and laptops, for example.

The technology sector is experiencing broad global constraints across several critical components, most notably memory and certain processor categories. These conditions are being driven by unprecedented demand from large-scale AI infrastructure deployments, combined with supply-side limitations, geopolitical factors, and ongoing shifts in semiconductor manufacturing capacity. This situation is affecting all major OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and customers worldwide across both client and infrastructure portfolios.

At the same time, supplier pricing for these components continues to increase rapidly as industry demand exceeds available capacity. Industry analysts indicate that pricing pressures are expected to continue in the coming quarters as these conditions persist. For example, analysts forecast that global memory chip prices could rise by 40–50% in the first quarter of 2026, with further increases likely in the second quarter. Price increases are also expected from CPU (Central Processing Unit) suppliers.

As a result, the availability of certain components and system configurations is less predictable than in the past, and pricing for systems containing these components continues to adjust in line with ongoing supplier cost increases.

What this means is:

• Some configurations may experience extended lead times or limited availability due to component allocation constraints
• Previously accepted configurations or orders may need to be revisited where component allocation cannot be secured
• Pricing for systems containing constrained components may require adjustment to reflect the current supplier cost environment
• Where possible, we may propose alternative configurations where supply confidence is significantly higher
• Quote, bid, and contract validity periods will be shortened to reflect the pace at which component pricing and availability are changing across the industry

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but the situation is outside of our control.