Schools have been experiencing a growing number of cyberattacks with last year, marking a record high of 105% increase in ransomware attacks. Securin research found that over the last three years, 50% of cyberattacks against educational institutions have spiraled into full-blown ransomware attacks. These attacks have led to prolonged operational shutdowns, significant financial losses and a growing distrust in the education system’s cybersecurity defenses.

Aside from the financial ramifications, the children whose data gets leaked from these attacks have much more at stake. Files posted to the dark web can include sensitive information about students, such as school schedules, social security numbers, addresses, phone numbers and more. Having that data exposed on the dark web can lead to identity theft, financial fraud and severe emotional trauma for the affected students.

As they stand now, schools are not equipped to defend against the ever evolving and sophisticated cyberattacks looming at their doorstep. The best thing that school systems can do is to put themselves in a position where that data is much harder to access and, should that data be compromised, have a plan of action to deal with the leak swiftly. 

So, with the new school year on the horizon, it’s crucial for school boards to prioritize strengthening their cybersecurity strategies. As an essential item on their checklist, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures is vital for safeguarding against cyber threats. Here are four key areas of security that educational institutions should focus on to protect themselves, their staff and their students.  

Patch vulnerabilities 

Vulnerabilities in software or computer networks can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access and compromise sensitive data, leading to cyber extortion. Due to the education sector being a vast database of highly sensitive and personal information, it is a hot target for ransomware groups and other bad actors. To avoid attackers gaining access and stealing data or credentials, security teams need to rapidly fix holes in their security by implementing necessary patches and updates to their network. This is a continual process to fortify security defenses against ransomware and other cyber threats. As a place to start, IT leaders can and should familiarize themselves with The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Program from the National Vulnerability Database to understand the details and statuses vulnerabilities that need patching. 

Connected devices 

More devices mean more points of access for attackers. They often exploit connected devices to deploy malware and botnets, infiltrating a school’s network under the radar. This can lead to a messy problem, where an entire network of devices and computers are infected with malicious software, making them inaccessible to users. This can result in spam distribution, credential stuffing or even a DDoS attack. 

Exposures in third-party software 

Often overlooked, third-party applications can also be an entry point for malicious actors. This can include management applications, progress monitoring tools, internet plugins and more. While these external vendors are useful and necessary for the classroom, critical vulnerabilities in these applications can grant attackers widespread access to overtake school websites as well as access student and faculty data. To combat this, educational institutions should perform regular vulnerability assessments, install the latest patches and educate both students and staff about the risks associated with these applications. 

Exposures introduced by misconfigurations 

When configuring assets or system parameters, mistakes can compromise databases and lead to costly consequences. Misconfigured certificates or access can leave gaps that allow malicious actors to infiltrate an institution’s network. Once inside, attack groups can obtain access to credentials and private information. Conducting a thorough scan of network assets and risk assessments can help organizations identify vulnerabilities so they can be promptly handled. 

Safeguarding schools 

Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and cybercriminals are not wasting any time to plunder the treasure trove of sensitive information in schools. Typically known for slow to no response, the education sector’s cybersecurity teams have an opportunity to change the narrative. By keeping up with advisories like the K-12 Cybersecurity Act and the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Known Exposure and Vulnerability catalog, security teams at schools can stay abreast of threats and provide prompt patching to their systems. They can also educate their staff with regularly updated security training materials on how to recognize and respond to attacks. 

However, security teams require robust support from school boards to secure adequate funding, resources and defenses for continuous monitoring and regular testing of their networks for vulnerabilities. In addition to implementing immediate remedial actions, these teams must develop comprehensive contingency plans to effectively respond to cyberattacks. By proactively taking these measures, security teams can fortify their digital infrastructure and ensure a safer school environment year-round.