This article was originally published in The Learning Counsel on 7.10.23 by Charlie Sander, CEO at ManagedMethods.
All educators hold a huge responsibility in identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks.
Many people wrongly assume that cybersecurity falls solely under the watchful gaze of the technology department. However, hackers target educational institutions at all levels, including students, professors, and other staff. Regardless of their position on access, nobody can shirk responsibility, and everyone is susceptible to cyber threats.
When compared to other industries, the education sector is especially vulnerable to cybersecurity incidents. According to a recent report by CheckPoint, the education sector witnessed a 44% increase in cyberattacks in the past year. This alarming statistic highlights the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in educational institutions.
As K-12 school districts strive to bolster their security infrastructure, cybercriminals are constantly evolving and adapting to exploit any vulnerabilities. They operate with unfettered freedom, disregarding academic schedules and seeking opportunities to wreak havoc—some people just want to watch the world burn. For instance, cybercriminals often take advantage of peak academic periods, such as the start of a new semester, to launch malware attacks when students are returning to school…
