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IT teams in schools have a big job that seems to constantly expand. Keeping equipment running properly, managing complex networks, and constantly monitoring and troubleshooting. When you factor in the significant challenges of recruiting and retaining qualified staff, and tighter-than-ever budget constraints, the job can be overwhelming.
And then, you hear the two words that strike fear in the heart of IT teams and administrators: data breach.
Unfortunately, cyberattacks have become all too common in K–12 and .
Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report showed the education sector experienced about 1,780 incidents, reflecting a 258% year-to-year increase. Threat actors grabbed 545% more data than in the previous year as well. Such attacks can shut down operations and create a significant financial burden. IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report revealed that the average data breach in higher education and training cost $3.7 million in 2023. With remediation and recovery costs so high, you can see just how devastating a single incident can be.
If you’re still asking the question, “Why is cybersecurity important in education?”, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and look at some of the most common cybersecurity threats and challenges schools face when trying to protect their data. We will also explain how educational purchasing cooperatives can enhance your security.
The pace of attacks isn’t slowing in 2024. Check Point tracking shows that attacks are up another 37% so far in 2024 on top of 2023’s record pace. It also reported that the education sector is the most targeted industry, exceeding finance, banking, healthcare, and government.
Threats include:
Malwarebytes reports that 2023 was the worst ransomware year on record, increasing 105% from 2022. Educational institutions were among some of the hardest hit, and the numbers are likely even higher. The study only included institutions that did not pay the ransom.
Whether ransomware or other cyber-attacks, there have been plenty of incidents that should give everyone pause. Here are some of the high-profile attacks that hobbled school districts, colleges, and universities within just the past year.
With the importance of robust cybersecurity evident, why aren’t schools doing more to enhance their security posture? Unfortunately, several things get in the way.
Schools today are dealing with tight financial constraints, making it challenging to allocate sufficient funds for robust cybersecurity measures. With competing priorities such as curriculum development and staff and faculty salaries, many institutions are unable to invest in solutions even when they recognize the need. This financial limitation can lead to reliance on basic or outdated security measures, leaving schools vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats.
Educational institutions frequently face difficulties in recruiting and retaining skilled IT professionals, especially those with cybersecurity expertise. There is a global shortage of cybersecurity professionals, and the private sector often offers more competitive salaries . As a result, many schools rely on general IT staff that may lack specialized knowledge in cybersecurity, potentially leaving gaps in their defense strategies.
Many schools, particularly in underfunded districts, operate with outdated technology infrastructure and software. This outdated technology increases vulnerabilities and creates compatibility issues with newer security solutions.
Upgrading entire systems can be costly and time-consuming, leaving many schools in a prolonged state of vulnerability.
Schools have a uniquely diverse user base, from children and teens to faculty and staff. This diversity presents challenges in implementing uniform security practices due to varying levels of tech-savviness and different access needs.
The constant influx of new students and staff also requires ongoing security awareness training and account management.
There is also the challenge of maintaining a secure environment while ensuring that technology remains accessible and user-friendly for learning. The increasing prevalence of remote and hybrid learning models requires schools to secure off-campus access to resources, adding another layer of complexity to their cybersecurity efforts.
If the process of securing your organization feels overwhelming, there are practical ways to implement effective cybersecurity measures, beginning with a comprehensive review of your current security posture to identify vulnerabilities. You may want to engage a managed security services provider (MSSP) to do a vulnerability audit, providing an independent assessment of your situation.
You also need 24/7 monitoring and rapid incident response. This is another area where an MSSP may be your best solution.
Education purchasing cooperatives can play a pivotal role in helping schools enhance their cybersecurity.
Through an educational benefit cooperative, schools can partner with MSSPs that focus on education-specific cybersecurity challenges. These MSSPs understand the unique challenges and requirements of schools, making them invaluable partners in cybersecurity efforts.
The range of services offered by education-focused MSSPs typically include:
By partnering with these specialized MSSPs through cooperatives, schools gain access to a level of expertise and resources that would be difficult or impossible to maintain in-house, especially for small districts with limited budgets.
Educational cooperation collectives often employ or partner with category specialists in cybersecurity. These experts have in-depth knowledge of both the education sector and the cybersecurity landscape to better:
One of the most significant advantages of education purchasing cooperatives is the ability to leverage collective buying power through cooperative contracts. These contracts offer several benefits:
Education purchasing cooperatives significantly streamline procurement for cybersecurity solutions. This streamlined approach offers several advantages:
By leveraging these advantages, education purchasing cooperatives empower schools to enhance their cybersecurity posture efficiently and cost-effectively. Through educational cooperation, institutions can work together via purchasing cooperatives to build stronger cybersecurity systems that benefit all members.
What are the two main sources of cyber threats from outside the school?
The two main sources of external cyber threats to schools are phishing attacks and ransomware. Phishing involves deceptive emails aimed at stealing sensitive information, while ransomware locks systems until a ransom is paid.
What is school phishing in cyber security?
School phishing is a type of cyber-attack where fraudulent emails or messages are sent to staff or students, tricking them into revealing personal information, login credentials, or financial details.
What is the importance of cyber security for students?
Cybersecurity is crucial for students to protect their personal data, academic records, and digital identities. It also ensures a safe learning environment where students can engage in online activities without the risk of falling victim to cybercrimes like identity theft.
How can cybersecurity education be improved in schools?
Schools can improve cybersecurity education by integrating practical lessons into the curriculum, fostering awareness through workshops, and using resources from education cooperatives. An education cooperative example could involve partnering with cybersecurity experts to provide managed security services and staff training at reduced costs.
E&I Cooperative Services is the nation’s only nonprofit, member-owned procurement cooperative focused exclusively on education. E&I offers a vast portfolio of competitively sourced contracts that can meet the unique needs of K–12 and higher education. Join our 6,000 member institutions to find cooperative contracts for the goods and services you need. There is no cost to become a member.
Contact E&I Cooperative Services today to see how you can improve your cybersecurity with cooperative contracts with high-quality managed security service providers and tailored solutions for educational institutions.
