In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, K-12 schools face a new threat: cyber attacks. These malicious acts, such as malware, DDoS, and ransomware attacks, pose serious challenges for the IT directors tasked with protecting the schools’ valuable data and infrastructure. Cybersecurity challenges and cybersecurity threats are increasing concerns for K-12 schools, making it essential to stay vigilant. The risks become even more pronounced as educational institutions increasingly integrate technology into their classrooms. This article delves into the complex K-12 challenges that IT directors and their teams face, shedding light on their worries and emphasizing the crucial need for strong security measures.
Over the past year, our team at Prey has been actively collaborating with K-12 schools and other educational institutions, immersing ourselves in their world to understand their security and device management challenges better. Through this close partnership, we have had the opportunity to listen and learn about the multitude of issues they encounter on a daily basis within their institutions. School leaders play a vital role in addressing these cybersecurity challenges by setting policies, fostering awareness, and collaborating with stakeholders to protect data security.
These current issues in k-12 education today can create a constant sense of unease for IT directors, causing sleepless nights as they grapple with the potential threats that lurk in the shadows. Protecting critical infrastructure and digital infrastructure in schools is essential to ensure the safety and continuity of educational operations. The cybersecurity industry thrives on this heightened state of caution, but it is undoubtedly wiser to proactively fortify defenses rather than assuming everything will go smoothly. Connected devices within a school’s network can be exploited by attackers, potentially compromising the entire network and causing widespread security issues. By taking preventive action, IT directors can mitigate risks and be prepared for any potential challenges.
IT teams’ pain points
IT teams in educational institutions are on the front lines of defending against an ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. One of their most significant challenges is operating with limited resources—tight budgets and understaffed departments make it difficult to implement and maintain the robust security measures needed to protect student data and critical information. The complexity of managing a diverse IT infrastructure, which includes a wide array of devices, operating systems, and network configurations, further complicates their efforts. This diversity creates multiple access points and potential vulnerabilities that cyber criminals are eager to exploit.
Compliance with data protection regulations, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), is another pressing concern. IT teams must ensure that all security protocols are up to date and that sensitive data is handled in accordance with the law. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers valuable guidance and resources to help educational institutions strengthen their cybersecurity and infrastructure security posture. By leveraging these resources and prioritizing strong security measures, IT teams can better protect student data and maintain the integrity of their school systems.
The conversations between Prey, and our education customers echo the concerns uncovered in the (CoSN) 2023 State of EdTech Leadership survey. Our customers call out the following issues in their daily work:
Limited resources – IT managers must optimize limited financial resources to cover buying and maintaining equipment, software licenses, security software, collaboration tools, and network maintenance. Understaffing is also another constraint for IT teams; it can lead to disruptions in technology operations, which can negatively impact the school day to day operations.
Diverse IT Infrastructure – Schools often have diverse IT environments with a variety of devices, operating systems, software applications, and network configurations. This diversity can make it challenging to keep track of all the different risks across the entire IT ecosystem. It is crucial to secure the school district's network from cyberattacks to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive information.
Device Fleet Management – Managers need to ensure the smooth operation, security, and correct usage of students’ devices. They need to know the number of devices protected, their current status, and their proper configuration as dictated by profiles and security policies.
Data Protection and Compliance – Schools must comply with various data protection regulations to ensure student privacy which means conducting regular risk assessments that address privacy, data collection, erasure, and storage. Protecting the personally identifiable information (PII) of students and staff is essential to maintain data security and privacy.
Limited Security Awareness – Keeping a secure environment requires educating and engaging all stakeholders to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a secure environment.
Insecure Internet – The entire educational community – students, parents, teachers, administrators – share their data over the Internet on both secure and insecure sites. IT managers must ensure that everyone is accessing appropriate and safe content on the internet.
According to the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) 2023 State of EdTech Leadership, the top three priorities for K-12 education EdTech leaders are:
- Cybersecurity
- Network Infrastructure
- Data Privacy & Security
In February 2018, the K-12 Cybersecurity Resource Center released, The State of K-12 Cybersecurity: Year in Review, a first-of-its-kind report on cyber incidents affecting U.S. public elementary and secondary (K-12) education institutions. This report also confirmed that as schools increasingly rely on learning technology, they are experiencing a rise in cyber risks.
In fact, the report finds that the most frequent forms of attack in the K-12 environment were phishing, ransomware, and malware incidents, which led to data breach incidents. In more than 60 percent of those attacks, student data was leaked. Phishing attempts are a particularly common tactic, making it essential to raise awareness among students, staff, and stakeholders to recognize and avoid these threats.
Regular risk assessments are necessary to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance. These assessments help schools develop recommendations to improve security based on identified risks and stakeholder input. They also enable school leaders to make informed decisions about cybersecurity investments and strategies.
Cybersecurity
In the world of K-12 education, cybersecurity is a pressing concern as it brings along challenges that demand our attention. We must create a safe and secure digital environment for our students and staff, where their information is protected from cyber threats.
As schools increasingly rely on digital systems and store sensitive student and staff data, shielding against cyber threats becomes paramount. Shockingly, only a third of districts have dedicated personnel to handle network security, while others distribute the responsibility among various roles, putting educational institutions at risk.
Furthermore, budget constraints present another hurdle. Many districts need help to allocate sufficient funds to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. It is disconcerting that 12% of districts report zero budget allocation for this critical protection aspect.
However, there is some good news amidst these challenges. There is a positive trend emerging in the realm of cybersecurity practices in school districts. Year after year, more districts are adopting measures to enhance their cybersecurity defenses, like training programs, with IT staff training being the most common practice, now at an impressive 76% compared to 65% last year.
One significant leap has been using two-factor authentication, which has increased by more than 20%. This surge is likely driven by insurance requirements, as multi-factor authentication has become a minimum necessity for obtaining cyber coverage.
Adopting cybersecurity practices signifies a growing commitment to bolstering cybersecurity practices in school districts and fostering a safer digital environment for students, staff, and the entire educational community. Increasingly, advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are being integrated to enhance real-time threat detection and response, helping schools stay ahead of emerging cyber threats.
Training and incident response are also crucial. It is important for schools to have comprehensive plans in place to effectively respond to cyberattacks, ensuring that incidents are managed promptly and damage is minimized.
Network infrastructure
Network infrastructure in K-12 education faces a range of challenges that impact its scalability, bandwidth, security, management, and budget considerations.
One of the main challenges is accommodating the large number of students, faculty, and staff who rely on the network simultaneously. As technology integration increases and more devices connect, there is a growing need for the network infrastructure to handle the increasing volume of data and provide reliable connectivity to support various educational activities; that’s why bandwidth is crucial in today’s digital learning environment for an effective and uninterrupted learning experience. It is also essential to secure the school's network from vulnerabilities, malware, and cyberattacks, especially as outdated hardware and increased device connectivity can introduce new risks.
The security and protection of sensitive student and staff data are of utmost importance in K-12 education. The network infrastructure is critical in safeguarding this data from unauthorized access and cyber threats. To achieve this, it is vital to implement security measures such as firewalls, encryption protocols, and access controls, which act as powerful shields, preventing data breaches and unauthorized intrusions.
IT departments in K-12 schools also face the challenge of managing the network infrastructure. This task involves a range of responsibilities, such as continuously monitoring network performance, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and maintaining proper network configuration. IT teams are responsible for managing various components like network switches, routers, and access points to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted operation of the network. Collaborating with technology providers can help ensure the security and reliability of the school's network by providing access to the latest solutions and expertise. This process is essential to minimize disruptions and provide a seamless digital experience.
Data privacy and security
Protecting students’ privacy and data security is more crucial than ever in education, and K-12 IT leaders must understand the law requirements to protect student data privacy effectively and comply with the law. In addition to privacy and security, it is essential to safeguard sensitive information from breaches and unauthorized access to prevent exposure of personal data belonging to students and staff.
As schools increasingly transition their operations to the cloud and face growing threats from malicious actors, federal laws like the Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA), the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) were created to protect student privacy and uphold data security.
One of the hurdles many districts face is effectively managing software and data privacy agreements. Surprisingly, a significant percentage of districts still rely on standalone tools or spreadsheets, while others don’t use any software. Considering the many apps used in each school district, manual management becomes inefficient and prone to errors. Furthermore, inefficient management may lead to overspending on licenses and unnecessarily strain network resources and budgets.
Building a culture of digital citizenship
Creating a culture of digital citizenship is essential for educational institutions striving to ensure online safety and responsible technology use. School administrators and leaders play a pivotal role in setting expectations and fostering an environment where students, staff, and stakeholders understand the importance of cybersecurity. Regular training sessions on digital citizenship protocols help students recognize and report cyber incidents, while also encouraging educators to model mindful online behavior.
By embedding digital citizenship into the fabric of school culture, K-12 schools can strengthen their defenses against cyber attacks and reduce the risk of cybersecurity incidents. The K-12 Cybersecurity Act of 2021 underscores the importance of developing comprehensive cybersecurity guidelines and recommendations, empowering schools to proactively address emerging threats. Ultimately, a strong culture of digital citizenship not only protects the school’s network but also equips the entire educational community with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital world safely.
Managing vendor risks
As educational institutions increasingly rely on external vendors for essential services like cloud storage, learning management systems, and digital textbooks, managing vendor risks becomes a critical component of cybersecurity. School districts must conduct thorough due diligence when selecting and monitoring third-party providers, ensuring that these vendors implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data. Failure to properly vet external vendors can expose schools to data breaches and other cyber risks.
The Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends that schools regularly assess the security of third-party software, perform vulnerability assessments, and promptly apply security patches to minimize potential threats. By establishing clear security protocols and maintaining open communication with external vendors, school districts can significantly reduce the risk of cyber incidents and better protect student data. Proactive vendor management is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of school systems in an increasingly connected education sector.
Compliance and reputation
For educational institutions, compliance with laws and regulations such as FERPA is not just a legal requirement—it is fundamental to maintaining the trust of students, parents, and the broader community. Non-compliance can lead to legal penalties, reputational damage, and financial losses, all of which can undermine the mission of the school. To safeguard sensitive data and uphold their reputation, schools must allocate adequate funding and resources to implement robust security measures, including multi-factor authentication, access control, and data encryption.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provides essential guidance to help schools navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance and build a secure environment. By prioritizing compliance and investing in strong security systems, educational institutions can protect student data, ensure school safety, and reinforce their standing as trusted stewards of critical information in the education system.
Cloud-hosted software and security
Cloud-hosted software solutions offer educational institutions a powerful way to manage student data securely and efficiently. Leading providers, such as PowerSchool, deliver robust security measures—including encryption, firewalls, and granular access controls—to safeguard sensitive data from cyber threats use of cloud-hosted platforms also enables automatic security updates and real-time threat monitoring, which can significantly reduce the burden on local IT teams and enhance overall cybersecurity.
However, it is essential for to ensure that their chosen cloud solutions comply with regulations like FERPA and meet unique needs K12. Department Homeland offers and practices help evaluate providers implement measures By clouded with security, can their cybersecurity posture protect data and a secure for in digital.
How can we help? Prey for education
As a result of these conversations, we released Prey for Education, aiming to help our users in Education to begin to address some of these complications better and grow toward their needs in the future.
Prey is here to empower and support IT administrators in the education sector’s journey toward a secure and efficient digital environment. We strive to be your trusted ally, providing a cost-effective, flexible, and optimized tool for managing device fleets.
With Prey, you can take control of your IT device fleet and protect them from potential threats helping you to stay ahead of the curve. Our approach aligns with guidance from the cybersecurity infrastructure security agency (CISA) and homeland security, ensuring that your school benefits from the latest federal resources and best practices to enhance security.
We closely monitor schools’ evolving challenges to better understand your needs, building a safer digital learning environment so you can confidently navigate the complexities of IT administration, enhance security measures, and optimize your resources.
What does Prey for Education address:
- Automated device security and management for work optimization.
- Accountable device management with a thorough inventory.
- Risk alerts for quick reaction and data compliance protection.
- Data protection measures to mitigate data breaches
- Protection of both digital and physical school grounds, ensuring comprehensive security for all areas connected to your institution’s technology ecosystem.
Learn more about our tools on our educational page! We’ll continue working for our schools and hope to continue these partnerships in the near future to help create safer digital learning environments.
Let’s forge ahead and create a brighter future for education, where technology empowers learning and data remain secure!
