The Top 5 Cyber Threats Schools Are Facing (and What To Do About It)

Keeping your school and students safe from cyber attacks has become increasingly difficult due to the growing prevalence of technology in schools, as well as the rise of virtual schooling. Having a secure IT infrastructure in place can ensure that no matter where students are, they are able to access a safe and secure network. Below are the top cyber threats schools are facing today:

Phishing and Social Engineering

Phishing involves tricking students into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or personal data. Social engineering manipulates them into divulging confidential information or performing certain actions that may leave them vulnerable. 60% of educational institutions reported phishing attacks, according to this 2021 Cloud Data Security Report. Attackers often target school staff or students, posing as trustworthy entities to deceive them and gain access to their private information.

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files and demands a ransom for their decryption. Schools are the number 2 top target for these types of attacks because they often lack a robust cybersecurity infrastructure, making them vulnerable to bad actors. Ransomware can disrupt school operations, compromise sensitive data, and hinder the learning process.

Insufficient Data Security

Schools collect and store a significant amount of sensitive information about their students, their families, and staff. Inadequate data security measures can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential identity theft.

Insecure Wi-Fi Networks

Insecure Wi-Fi networks can provide opportunities for unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive information, eavesdrop on communications, or conduct other malicious activities, leading to security breaches and data leaks.

Inadequate Staff and Student Training

Insufficient training on cybersecurity best practices for both staff and students can increase the risk of falling victim to cyber threats like phishing and social engineering, leaving theirs and other students’ data exposed.

Mitigating Cybersecurity Threats at Your School

To prevent these cybersecurity threats, school districts need to invest in a cybersecurity stack that works hard to protect their community, without breaking tight budgets. Outsourcing to an experienced education MSP, like Thrive, will ensure that all your IT needs are met. Thrive’s team of experts is able to provide 24/7 monitoring to mitigate any cyber attacks that may ensue. They are also well-versed in designing and implementing Cloud and collaboration solutions that can help modernize schools. Contact Thrive today to learn more about how you can help keep your school safe, today.