While recent headlines have highlighted concerns about crumbling physical infrastructure in schools, there’s another pressing issue that demands attention: the escalating cyber security threats targeting the education sector. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a stark warning to schools and universities in the UK, urging them to bolster their defences against the rise of cyber-attacks.
Cyber Security Crisis in Education: Safeguarding Schools Against the Rising Threats
According to research conducted by Comparitech, a staggering 105 cyber-attacks were reported on educational institutions worldwide in 2023, marking a massive 517% increase since 2018 when tracking began.
In the UK specifically, official figures from last year unveiled a distressing surge in attacks on secondary schools, rising from 58% in 2021 to a concerning 70% in 2022, underscoring the vulnerability of the education sector to cybercrime.
Why is robust cyber security so crucial in the education sector?
- Protecting student data: Education institutions store a large amount of sensitive information regarding students; including personal details, academic records, and sometimes financial data. Safeguarding this data is critical to prevent identity theft, fraud, or misuse.
- Maintaining uninterrupted learning: Cyber-attacks can disrupt school operations, causing class cancellations, exam halts, or disruptions in online learning. Robust cyber security ensures continuity in education.
- Securing Infrastructure: Attacks targeting school infrastructure can compromise administrative systems and classroom technologies. Preventing hacks on networks, servers, and educational devices is paramount.
- Teaching Digital Resilience: Prioritising cyber security helps educate students about online safety, responsible internet usage, and the protection of personal information—skills that are crucial in today’s digital landscape.
- Financial Protection: Cyber-attacks can lead to financial losses for schools through ransomware demands, system repairs, or legal fees arising from data breaches.
- Preserving Reputation: A cyber incident can severely impact a school’s reputation, eroding trust among parents, students, and the community, thereby affecting the school’s credibility.
- Regulatory Compliance: With data protection laws, especially concerning minors, is imperative. Schools must adhere to these regulations to avoid penalties and legal repercussions.
In the face of this evolving threat landscape, educational institutions urgently require robust solutions to defend against ransomware, phishing, and other cyber threats. Implementing zero-trust solutions and prevention-based technologies is pivotal in bolstering resilience against these escalating risks.
To see how we can assist your school, visit us at The Bett Show between January 24th-26th at Stand SF34 where we’ll have live demos and advice on how to safeguard your institution against cyber threats.
