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Schools At Risk for Data Security Breaches

The frequency of cyberattacks on K-12 schools has seen a significant uptick, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic when many schools adopted remote learning systems, becoming more dependent on IT services.

Phishing, Ransomware, Denial of Service, and video conferencing attacks are all types of cyberattacks that criminals use to disrupt the school day and exploit school networks and systems.

K-12 schools are targeted by cyber attacks for various reasons:

  • Valuable Data: Schools hold a treasure trove of data, including personal information of students, parents, and staff, which can be lucrative for cybercriminals.

  • Limited Resources: Often, K-12 schools operate with limited IT budgets, which may result in outdated systems or inadequate cybersecurity measures.

  • Naive Users: Young students may not always be aware of best online practices, making them more susceptible to phishing attempts or other cyber threats.

  • Rise of Technology in Education: With the increased use of online platforms and tools in education, especially during times of remote learning, the potential attack surface has expanded for schools.

Given these risks, it's paramount that K-12 schools prioritize cybersecurity and consider regular security audits as an essential part of their cybersecurity strategy.

Impact of Cyberattacks on School IT Networks and Devices:

  • Educational Disruption: The aftermath of a cyberattack on a school could result in lost instructional time ranging from 3 days to 3 weeks.

  • Recovery Period: The time to recover from data security attacks can span 2 to 9 months.

  • Financial Toll: Schools reported financial losses between $50,000 to $1 million due to cyber incidents. The expenses comprise hardware replacements and enhancements to the cybersecurity infrastructure.

  • Data Breaches: Cyberattacks may lead to unauthorized access and theft of the personal data of students and staff. Compromised data might include social security numbers, grades, and bullying reports—putting students at risk both emotionally and financially.

With regular data security audits, schools can prevent cyber attacks by:

  • Identifying Vulnerabilities: Regular security audits can help identify vulnerabilities in the system before they are exploited. This proactive approach can prevent potential data breaches and save considerable resources in the long run.

  • Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Many regions have strict regulations about data protection, especially when it concerns minors or educational records. Regular audits ensure that institutions comply with these rules and avoid legal complications.

  • Building Trust: Parents, students, and staff need to trust that their data is secure. Regular security assessments and communicated improvements can help build and maintain this trust.

  • Evolving Threat Landscape: Cyber threats are constantly evolving. What was considered secure a year ago might not be secure today. Regular audits ensure that organizations are updated with the latest security standards and practices.

  • Mitigating Financial Risks: Data breaches can be costly, not only due to potential fines but also because of the associated remediation costs, public relations efforts, and potential lawsuits. By investing in regular security audits, institutions can mitigate these financial risks.

  • Protecting Reputation: A security incident can tarnish the reputation of an educational institution. By ensuring a high standard of security through regular audits, schools can protect their reputation and the trust placed in them by the community.

Schools are increasingly targets for cyber attacks.

This happens more often than is typically reported. But, here are some examples of schools that have experienced cyber-attacks across the United States.

  • Chicago Public Schools: A ransomware attack in December 2021 compromised the personal data of over 500,000 students and staff.

  • Winthrop Public Schools: A DDoS attack in February 2021 impeded the educational process by disrupting network services.

  • Miami-Dade County Public Schools: Multiple DDoS attacks in September 2020 that affected online teaching.

  • Connecticut: A school district faced a cyberattack and had to halt operations for 3-4 days. Another attack followed shortly after.

  • California: Students could reportedly acquire software for $30-$50 that could disrupt school activities for 20-30 minutes.

Education is very important to us at SNH TECHNOLOGIES. And, so is safety. If you are a school or educational system, we would love to provide a free security audit to review your network and devices for any security risks or potential threats. Schedule a call with our team to get started.


SOURCE: https://www.gao.gov/blog/cyberattacks-increase-k-12-schools-here-whats-being-done

Russell Halecyber security, schools, tech audit