8 Tips for Student Data Privacy Amid Growing Cyber Threats for Schools

K-12 schools are increasingly leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences for students. In the midst of this progress, cyberattacks targeting schools have surged, with hackers aiming for sensitive student information. Now more than ever, it’s essential for schools to prioritize cybersecurity to ensure student data privacy and protect students and staff from the serious consequences of cybercrime.

Growing Cybersecurity Threats

Educational institutions are becoming prime targets for cybercriminals for several reasons:

• Schools store personal information, health records, and academic progress for students. This valuable data can be sold on the dark web, making schools appealing targets for hackers.
• Many schools rely on legacy systems that are vulnerable to cyberattacks. With limited funding for IT infrastructure, they struggle to defend against sophisticated threats.
• The shift to hybrid learning has increased exposure to cybersecurity risks as students and teachers access school networks from various devices and unsecured home networks.
• Unlike larger institutions, K-12 schools often have constrained cybersecurity budgets and staffing, making it difficult to implement comprehensive protective measures.

Common Cybersecurity Attacks and Their Impact on Student Data Privacy

Cyberattacks on schools can take many forms, each carrying significant consequences. One of the most prevalent threats is ransomware attacks, where hackers encrypt school data and demand a ransom for its release. This type of attack can lead to operational shutdowns, disrupting online classes and exams and resulting in substantial financial losses as schools grapple with recovery costs. In fact, in 2022, approximately 2000 schools were affected by ransomware, costing education institutions around $4 billion dollars just in associated downtime, according to a study by Verizon. The same study notes that in 2023, the FBI and the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Agency issued formal alerts to schools about the increasing threat of ransomware.

Another common threat is phishing scams, which deceive teachers, students, and administrators into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Successful phishing attempts can result in unauthorized access to school systems, leading to data breaches that compromise personal information such as Social Security numbers, health records, and academic details. The fallout from such breaches not only risks identity theft for students but also erodes trust within the community, causing significant reputational damage to the institution.

Schools are also vulnerable to Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which overload networks with traffic and prevent access to online learning platforms and administrative tools. These attacks can disrupt daily operations and hinder students’ educational progress, leaving them without access to school resources.

Data breaches can have lasting repercussions. When hackers infiltrate school databases, the theft of personal information can lead to legal consequences for institutions that fail to prioritize student data privacy. Schools must comply with strict regulations like FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), and any failure to safeguard this data can result in penalties and legal action.

8 Proactive Approaches to Student Data Privacy: Cybersecurity for Schools

While the threat landscape is daunting, schools can take several steps to safeguard against cyberattacks:

1. Schools should utilize up-to-date firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems to detect and prevent attacks.
2. Periodic assessments can uncover vulnerabilities, allowing schools to address weaknesses before they are exploited.
3. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple methods, such as a password and a mobile verification code.
4. Training on recognizing and responding to cyber threats is essential. Schools should conduct awareness sessions for staff and students.
5. Consistent backups of critical data stored securely offsite can help restore operations without needing to pay ransoms during cyber incidents.
6. Establishing a routine for software updates helps protect against known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit.
7. Implementing the principle of least privilege ensures that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive student information, reducing risks from insider threats.
8. A robust incident response plan is crucial for handling cyberattacks. This plan should outline steps for isolating affected systems, communicating with stakeholders, and quickly restoring normal operations.

As K-12 schools continue to embrace digital learning, they must simultaneously address the growing cybersecurity threats they face. By investing in modern cybersecurity for schools, educating staff and students, and implementing best practices, schools can create a safer and more resilient learning environment. Bolstering student data privacy and ensuring uninterrupted education amid cyberattacks is not just a priority—it’s a necessity.

Looking for additional insight on how to improve your cybersecurity? Download our Cybersecurity Essentials Tool Kit for Educational Institutions or reach out today for a free consultation!