The rise of technology has opened incredible opportunities for schools, giving students globally a chance to learn more than ever before. Yet, this shift has also made schools a target for cyberattacks. Between 2016 and 2022, the threat of cyberattacks in schools has grown significantly, turning daily operations into a constant effort to keep data safe and systems running smoothly. Let's explore what makes schools a focus for these attacks and why it's essential to stay alert.
How Every School Can Be a Cyber Target
The K12 Security Information Exchange (K12 SIX) has been closely tracking the increase in cyberattacks affecting U.S. schools. Over six years, they've reported 1,331 cyber incidents, showing that the threat isn't just coming; it's already here. This number means there's more than one attack for every school day, making it clear that every district, no matter its size or location, can be targeted by cybercriminals.
“School districts from all 50 states have suffered significant cyber incidents, from very small, rural districts to the largest urban school districts in the nation,” observed K12 SIX in its 2022 report.
Navigating Risks in the Cloud: Securing Our Schools' Future
Moving to modern IT setups, including cloud services, online software (SaaS), and simpler computers (thin clients), has greatly improved education. However, this progress also brings risks. Cybercriminals are now focusing more on stealing and extorting by targeting online systems full of student and staff information.
To fight these dangers, schools need to use sophisticated tools to watch and protect their online spaces. These tools include systems to check cloud security, protect online workloads, and software on devices to catch and stop attacks. Interestingly, some attacks can get around usual security steps like two-factor authentication by exploiting loopholes, known as "pass-the-cookie" attacks.
The Dilemma of On-Premise Software
In the push towards new technology, many schools still use software stored on their own computers for daily tasks. This choice brings bigger risks in keeping data safe and getting systems back online after problems. It's especially tough for schools with fewer resources to constantly watch over, secure, and update their technology.
The more important a software is to the school's operation, the more attractive it becomes to hackers looking to cause trouble. This shows a clear issue: as schools try to adopt new technologies, the protection of their essential educational software might unintentionally become weaker.
Why Size Doesn't Safeguard Schools from Cyber Threats
Despite what some might think, being small doesn't mean you're hidden from cyber threats. The facts are clear – 82% of ransomware attacks target organizations with less than 1,000 employees. This reality breaks the myth that smaller school systems can stay under the radar. In truth, smaller districts are often more exposed because they have fewer defenses against cyberattacks. They face bigger challenges in defending themselves due to limited resources and expertise. Considering that nearly half of U.S. school districts have fewer than 1,000 students, and more than 70% have under 2,500, many are at risk and less equipped to protect against these threats.
After Hours: The Prime Time for Cyberattacks on Schools
Cybercriminals don't stick to a typical workday. 76% of ransomware attacks happen after hours or on weekends, when they're less likely to be caught quickly. Their tactic is to strike when schools are least prepared, quickly taking over IT systems. On average, it takes just 84 minutes for an attack to spread through a network, with holiday weekends being a favorite time to attack.
Schools, no matter their size or location, are a target for these criminals. Moving to online learning and using cloud services has brought many benefits but also new risks. This situation reminds us that being constantly alert and having strong cyber defenses are necessary, not optional. We all have a role in making our schools safe from cyber threats, teaching our communities how to protect themselves, and ensuring our education systems can stand up to these challenges. The real question isn't if another attack will happen, but if we'll be ready to handle it when it does.
In today's digital education landscape, facing cyber threats head-on is essential. 'Securing the Future: How Schools and Districts Stay One Step Ahead of Cyber Threats' is your guide to combating these risks. Learn strategies to protect our schools and maintain a safe learning environment. Download the white paper and safeguard our educational future.