Cyberattacks
It’s time for K-12 schools to prepare for cyberattacks
2020 saw a rise in ramsomware attacks targeting public schools. The cyberattack on Baltimore County Public Schools managed to reach all of their networks and disrupted online learning for 115,000 students. Schools all across the country have experienced cyberattacks and ransomware targeting public schools is on the rise. Public schools are “easy and attractive targets for cybercriminals” who are taking advantage of school vulnerabiltiies. 28% of all reported ransomware attacks from January to July impacted K-12 schools. This increased to 57% in August and September when K-12 schools started their fall semesters. Increased reliance on remote learning made schools a prime target for cybercriminals hoping for a quick payout. Why Target Schools? Schools are vulnerable to cyberattacks for a myriad of reasons. Financial resources may not be allocated for cybersecurity and schools may pay the ransom under community pressure to restore services quickly, especially as students continue to rely on remote learning during the pandemic.
Ransomware attacks can bring online learning to a screeching halt and can also compromise data. In “nine of the 31 ransomware incidents” reported, data was stolen and in one case the “personal data of faculty, staff, and students” was published online, an alarming new trend. What Can Schools Do to Reduce Risk? Securing networks can be difficult without dedicated funds and without solid restoration backups and procedures. Schools cannot secure students’ personal devices and wireless networks while students are learning from home. Despite these limitations, there are steps schools can take to minimize risk: • Develop cybersecurity policies and procedures • Provide cybersecurity training to faculty, staff and students • Access free services, such as the free membership provided by the Multi-State Information Sharing Analysis Center (MS- ISAC) • Install security patches • Back up data frequently and securely • Purchase cyberinsurance Click here to read the full article.
The annual report on cyber incidents impacting U.S. K-12 education institutions provided by the K-12 Cybersecurity Resource Center is now available. You can download the 2020 report and access additional resources by visiting https:// k12cybersecure.com/year-in-review/. The State of K-12 Cybersecurity Year in Review from the K-12 Cybersecurity Resource Center
Data Privacy & Security Service, Issue 22
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