Introduction
Schools are increasingly becoming targets for cyber threats, given the wealth of personal data they hold and their sometimes limited cybersecurity defenses. As schools continue to integrate technology into every aspect of their operations, understanding and countering cybersecurity risks should be one of their top priorities, as this recent example illustrates.
In this article, we give a top level summary of our top five cybersecurity threats for schools and offer practical advice on how to best manage these vulnerabilities.
1. Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are becoming a prevalent cybersecurity threat for schools. In a typical phishing incident, attackers trick individuals into revealing sensitive information through deceptive emails or messages. Schools are prime targets due to the large number of users and the potential access to a vast amount of personal data.
Management Tips:
- Have a periodic programme in place to educate staff, students, and parents on recognising phishing attempts and new variants of attacks.
- Periodically review email filtering solutions to catch phishing emails before they reach inboxes.
- Regularly conduct phishing simulation exercises to assess your school’s true level of resilience and to keep everyone alert.
2. Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks involve malware that encrypts files on a device or network, with attackers demanding a ransom to restore access. Schools, with their critical data and limited cybersecurity resources, are often seen as lucrative targets.
Management Tips:
- Maintain regular, secure backups of all critical data and systems.
- Ensure systems and software are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Implement robust access controls and user permission policies to minimise the impact of an attack.
3. Unsecured Personal Devices
The increasing use of personal devices (BYOD – Bring Your Own Device) in schools presents a significant security challenge. These devices can easily become a gateway for cyber threats if not properly managed. from the system integrator can significantly impact the success of technology adoption in educational settings. P8i offer ongoing, comprehensive support and training for both Google and Microsoft for Education.
Management Tips:
- Establish a strict BYOD policy outlining acceptable use and security requirements.
- Ensure that all personal devices are equipped with up-to-date antivirus software and are regularly scanned.
- Implement network segmentation to limit access from personal devices to critical school systems.
4. Data Breaches
Data breaches can occur through various means, including hacking, accidental disclosure, or through third-party service providers. Schools hold sensitive information on students and staff, making them a target for data breaches.
Management Tips:
- Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit.
- Limit access to sensitive information to only those who need it.
- Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and rectify security weaknesses.
5. Insider Threats
Insider threats can come from current or former employees, contractors, or anyone in a position of trust. These individuals might misuse their access to data for malicious purposes or accidentally expose data due to negligence.
Management Tips:
- Conduct thorough background checks on all staff and regularly review access privileges.
- Implement strict data access controls and monitoring to detect unusual access patterns.
- Foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness and encourage employees to flag suspicious activities.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity in schools is not just an IT issue but a broad challenge that requires a thorough and systematic approach. By understanding the key risks and implementing the recommended management strategies, schools can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber threats. It’s essential for schools to foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed, vigilant, and proactive in safeguarding your school’s digital assets.
