Education might not be the first industry you think of when discussing cybersecurity. In reality, schools are a prime target for cybersecurity threats. There’s no lack of confidential files and personal information that school systems store, oftentimes without proper IT protection.
According to the K-12 Cybersecurity Resource Center, 2020 marked a record-breaking year for cyber attacks against public schools, with an 18% increase over the year before.
Many districts lack the safety and security needed for modern cybersecurity protection. Cybercriminals often find loopholes and vulnerabilities that allow them to exploit the sensitive data of students, parents, educators, and others on staff.
It’s even worse if the school in question is higher-income or more technology-dependent (for example, if they engage in virtual learning). They remain especially vulnerable to attacks because of the lack of training and awareness, and weaknesses in personal devices and network security.
[Related: 5 Cybersecurity Threats You May Not Have Considered]
So what are some of the cybersecurity threats that schools aren’t paying enough attention to?
Phishing
Phishing is one of the most common threats, but it also can be one of the most easily dismissed. Seemingly legitimate emails can arrive in the inbox of any staff member and ask for personal data. Data can be verification of accounts, passwords, or even personal details surrounding specific students or faculty.
Distributed Denial-of-Service
Denial-of-service or DoS attacks happen when a server is flooded with an unusual number of requests that cause a crash. Because schools tend to lack the proper security protections used by larger corporations, server connectivity and security can fall to the wayside. Once the server has crashed, hackers can easily go in and gather confidential data without a trace.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of cybersecurity attack using malware to hack into poorly protected servers. They are especially common in the form of mysterious links and downloadable attachments. Once they obtain access to the information they’re looking for, they threaten to exploit and use this data, or lock legitimate users out of the server unless a ransom is paid.
[Related: Reasons You Should Have Switched to Cloud-Based Security Yesterday]
Outdated Software
Outdated software is one of the biggest vulnerabilities for school districts. Hackers looking for access to networks and systems can easily find their way in through unpatched software. Since schools frequently lack specific IT funding or cybersecurity staff and training, they’re more likely to accidentally leave these openings for cybercriminals to hack their way in.
How to Prevent and Prepare
Since the complexities of software and technology will only increase, this means more opportunities to fall behind—and even more opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit confidential information from schools.
In order to prevent devastating data breaches, those in the education sector should focus on the following:
- Use multi-factor authentication to protect against unauthorized access
- Turn on alerts for any suspicious activity
- Create clear and enforceable acceptable use policies for students and faculty
- Teach faculty and students cybersecurity literacy and best practices in case of a cyber-attack
- Look into managed security service providers, like CMIT Solutions.
[Related: Your Remote Workplace Isn’t as Secure as You Think—Here’s Why]
Connect with CMIT Solutions of Richardson Today!
Since schools are handling the personal information and important data of hundreds (sometimes thousands) of students, families, and faculty, cybersecurity should always be a priority.
CMIT Solutions of Richardson can help your school stay safe and informed when it comes to keeping that information secure. Our managed IT support services provide professional-grade defense and recovery, multi-layered defenses, and 24/7 monitoring.
Contact us today to get started!
Featured image via Pexels
