The need for robust cybersecurity in K-12 schools has never been more critical. With the rise of remote learning and the staggering growth of classroom technology, K-12 schools, as well as higher learning institutions, have been charged with safeguarding their networks and sensitive information. By prioritizing cybersecurity in schools, districts can create a safe learning environment that is conducive to student growth and development.
Why Is School Cybersecurity Important?
Today’s schools tend to rely on edtech to help deliver a more robust curriculum. And technology also plays a significant role in administration, from communication with parents and students to the physical security of campuses. But all of that technology, while beneficial, also exposes schools to a wide range of cybersecurity threats. Because schools store so much sensitive data, from personally identifiable information (PII) to financial information, an emphasis on cybersecurity is crucial. A cyber attack on a school doesn’t just disrupt teaching; it can result in fines, sanctions, and a loss of trust from the community.
Common Cybersecurity Threats in Schools
K-12 schools and higher education institutions have become one of the top targets for cybercriminals. Understanding the types of threats schools face can help school IT leaders prepare effectively and proactively.
Ransomware
One of the most prevalent threats to schools is ransomware, and these attacks have become increasingly common. Ransomware typically accesses a school’s network as a result of a successful phishing attack. Such an attack can potentially cripple a school’s systems and completely disrupt learning. According to K-12 Dive, there were 386 recorded ransomware attacks on US schools between 2018 and 2023 costing a total of $35.1 billion. K-12 schools accounted for most of the breaches worldwide, but colleges and universities have been more frequently targeted in recent years.
Phishing
Phishing attacks, in which cybercriminals use emotional manipulation to trick users into revealing sensitive information or clicking on links that contain malware, pose a significant risk to schools. Using phishing emails, cyber threat actors often impersonate trusted sources, such as school administrators or IT support technicians, to lure unsuspecting recipients into clicking on malicious links or attachments. These attacks can lead to data breaches, network compromises, and the spread of malware throughout a school’s digital infrastructure.
Data Breach
Often the result of phishing, a serious threat to school cybersecurity is a data breach. During a data breach, a school’s sensitive information is accessed, stolen, or compromised without authorization. A data breach can have far-reaching consequences, including identity theft, reputational damage, and legal and regulatory penalties.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks
DDoS attacks overwhelm a school’s network, disrupting the school’s ability to remain operational. DDoS attacks can prevent students and staff from accessing critical educational resources, such as online learning platforms, communication tools, and administrative systems, thereby hindering the educational process.
Essential Cybersecurity Measures Every School IT Leader Should Consider
To effectively safeguard schools against the growing array of cybersecurity threats, a comprehensive, proactive, and multilayered approach to cybersecurity is essential. In addition to implementing robust network security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and virtual private networks (VPNs), schools should also enhance their cybersecurity with:
Access Control and MFA
In order to protect PII and keep a school’s network safe, access control is essential. Implementing role-based access controls can help limit user privileges and restrict access to sensitive information based on an individual’s specific job functions. In addition, no access whatsoever should be allowed without strict use of multi-factor authentication (MFA). While it can be more difficult to require this of students, progress is being made in developing technology so that even students can use MFA.
Patch Management and Regular Updates
Because cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated or unpatched systems to gain unauthorized network access and launch attacks, regular updates and immediate patching should be a school cybersecurity priority. By maintaining a consistent schedule for applying security updates and patches, schools can significantly minimize the attack surface and reduce the risk of successful exploits.
Data Backup and Recovery
So often, schools are forced into paying ransoms when their networks are compromised because they do not have sufficient disaster recovery protocols in place. Comprehensive offsite data backups can ensure continued operations in the event of a cyberattack or other disaster. By maintaining backups that are not connected to their networks, schools can quickly restore their data and systems, minimizing the disruption to educational operations. Schools should consider implementing a multilayered backup approach, including both onsite and offsite storage solutions, to ensure the integrity and availability of their critical data.
Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among staff, students, and parents reminds everyone that they all have a role to play in school cybersecurity. Every school should provide ongoing training and education for both staff and students. By equipping the school community with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and respond to potential cyber threats, such as phishing attempts or suspicious network activity, schools can empower stakeholders to be the first line of defense against cyber incidents.
By implementing these essential cybersecurity measures, K-12 schools can significantly enhance their ability to protect digital assets, safeguard sensitive information, and ensure the continuity of educational services in the face of evolving cyber threats.
thinkCSC works closely with many Ohio school districts to help protect their data. We deploy innovative, affordable technology to help schools maximize network efficiencies and minimize external threats. With a specific focus on the needs of educational institutions of every size, we offer unique solutions, dedicated technical support and expertise, and state-of-the-art security solutions specifically designed to meet the unique demands that apply in an educational setting. Contact us to learn more.
