Mark Orchison

Mark Orchison is the CEO of 9ine, a leading provider of technology, cyber and privacy services to schools. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Mark is a highly respected thought leader in the field of technology, cyber, privacy and safeguarding in K-12 education. He has a proven track record of helping organisations of all sizes to navigate the rapidly changing digital and regulatory landscape and capitalise on new opportunities. Mark’s vision has shaped the development of a revolutionary low cost consultancy-as-a-service software platform enabling schools to gain easy access to expertise in technology, cyber, privacy and safeguarding. Mark is also a regular speaker at industry events and an expert contributor to accreditation commissions on accreditation standards relating to privacy and cyber security.

5 min read

AI in Education: 9ine presents ‘Turing Trials Walk-throughs!’

Mark Orchison: Oct 2, 2025 3:39:02 PM

Introducing ‘Turing Trials Walk-throughs’, our weekly guide between now and the end of 2025, which takes a look at each of the Scenarios in Turing Trials, our workshop-style card game which can be used by staff and students to understand the risks,...

Technology Data Privacy EdTech Artificial Intelligence Cyber security AI in Education AI Literacy in Schools

5 min read

KCSIE 2025: What We Got Right (and What We Didn’t) About AI and Safeguarding

Mark Orchison: Jul 8, 2025 12:22:10 PM

When we published our forecast on how KCSIE 2025 might address Artificial Intelligence, we speculated that the Department for Education was poised to...

GDPR Data Privacy Artificial Intelligence UK Independent Schools UK Multi Academy Trusts Safeguarding

5 min read

Trojan AI in Schools: The Hidden Threat Inside Your EdTech Apps

Mark Orchison: Jul 1, 2025 9:05:58 AM

School leaders today face an emerging “Trojan AI” problem in educational technology. In this context, Trojan AI refers to AI-powered features quietly...

GDPR Data Privacy EdTech Artificial Intelligence

6 min read

Outlook: AI in Safeguarding – What to Expect in KCSIE 2025

Mark Orchison: Jun 30, 2025 1:03:34 PM

KCSIE is due to be published soon and, according to sources, is expected to undergo a significant upgrade, potentially even a complete rewrite. In...

GDPR Data Privacy Artificial Intelligence UK Independent Schools UK Multi Academy Trusts Safeguarding

6 min read

‘Dad, how did they know more about me than I know about myself?’

Mark Orchison: May 23, 2025 12:56:39 PM

When I recently became a parent, I did what many new parents do—I bought a baby monitor to watch over my child as they slept. What surprised me...

Technology GDPR Data Privacy Risk Management EdTech Artificial Intelligence Vendors Cyber security

2 min read

EdTech Cost Control – Lowering Your Costs, Improving Impact

Mark Orchison: May 15, 2025 11:07:16 AM

Managing EdTech Costs in Schools: Challenges and Solutions Technology – The Silent Budget Driver Technology expenditure has become one of the largest...

Technology Data Privacy EdTech UK Independent Schools

2 min read

Launching the 9ine AI & Privacy Academy 2025/26

Mark Orchison: Apr 29, 2025 10:18:27 AM

Empowering Schools with Advanced Professional Development We are thrilled to announce the launch of our updated 9ine AI & Privacy Academy for the...

Data Privacy Training Artificial Intelligence Cyber security

6 min read

Cybersecurity Guidance for School Finance Teams

Mark Orchison: Feb 14, 2025 9:46:34 AM

School finance teams are prime targets for cybercriminals because of the sensitive data and large financial transactions they handle. Schools...

Technology Data Privacy Risk Management Training EdTech News North American Independent Schools Cyber security

4 min read

PowerSchool Cyber Attack: Understanding Liability and Legal Actions

Mark Orchison: Jan 10, 2025 10:17:28 AM

When a third-party vendor (such as PowerSchool) suffers a data breach involving school data, the school (as the Data Controller in many...

Technology Data Privacy EdTech Vendors Cyber security

CISA Compliance Reporting Requirements for Cyber Incident Management in Schools

3 min read

CISA compliance reporting for cyber incident management in schools

Mark Orchison: Oct 21, 2024 12:20:46 PM

Cybersecurity in schools isn't just about reacting to breaches; it’s about creating a structured, preventive, and responsive approach to incidents...

Data Privacy North American Independent Schools

4 min read

The problem with facial recognition in schools

Mark Orchison: Jul 30, 2024 11:15:00 AM

Facial recognition poses risks and unquantifiable damage to students, staff and other data subjects when used in schools. Given that the technology...

Technology Data Privacy