K-12 schools are facing an ever increasing number of cyber security threats so much so that the education market is now the number one target for cyber criminals. Consequently, the challenge of protecting a school district’s network, data, and their students’ personal information can be daunting. Budget cuts, limited resources, legacy systems, an increase in access points, and ever-changing compliance regulations all contribute to the complexity of this issue. With a better understanding of these challenges school administrators can make more informed decisions and develop strategies to better protect their networks and stakeholders.
Budget Cuts
K-12 schools are facing budget cuts across the board, and cybersecurity is no exception. With these budget cuts, schools often must make tough choices about where to allocate funding and, unfortunately, cybersecurity may not be at the top of the list. This means that schools may not be able to afford the latest security technologies or hire dedicated cybersecurity staff to monitor their systems. Without adequate funding, schools are more vulnerable to cyber attacks and data breaches leading to compromised student and staff personally identifiable information (PII). The lack of budget makes it challenging for schools to upgrade their software and hardware and implement the latest security measures, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats. With cyber criminals constantly on the lookout for weak spots, many schools that don’t have robust security measures in place are an easy target.
Limited Resources
Another key cyber security challenge that K-12 schools face is limited staffing resources. Many schools struggle with having the necessary staffing to implement effective security measures. This can lead to gaps in protection, making schools more vulnerable to attacks. Many schools are already stretched thin when it comes to staffing with small IT departments that are often overworked with little time for cybersecurity tasks. With limited resources, IT departments may not have the time to keep up with the latest security updates and patches leaving their systems vulnerable.
Legacy Systems
Legacy systems are another challenge facing K-12 schools in terms of cybersecurity. These are outdated computer systems that are no longer supported by manufacturers and are difficult to update or maintain. Legacy systems are often the weakest link in a network’s infrastructure, as they lack the latest security features and are vulnerable to attacks. Unfortunately, many K-12 schools still rely on legacy systems due to limited budgets and the high cost of upgrading to newer technology. This means that they are more susceptible to cyber threats such as ransomware, malware, and phishing attacks.
Increase in Access Points
With the proliferation of mobile devices, the number of access points in K-12 schools has increased significantly. These access points include smartphones, tablets, and laptops. While these access points provide convenience and connectivity, they also present significant security risks. Each access point represents a potential entry point for hackers, and schools must ensure that each point is secure and monitored to protect students' data and privacy. However, schools often struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements and the associated security risks.
Changing Compliance
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in cybersecurity compliance regulations, impacting K-12 schools. Education institutions are required to adhere to regulations set by the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), among others. Compliance regulations are regularly updated to adapt to emerging cyber threats. Unfortunately, K-12 schools may struggle to keep up with these changes, putting their systems and students' sensitive data at risk. By conducting regular network and system audits to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities and assess security protocols, schools can stay up to date with changing compliance regulations. Those schools that remain vigilant and adaptable with compliance requirements are better positioned to mitigate cyber risks.
K-12 schools face a multitude of cybersecurity threats that are rapidly evolving with advancements in technology. The challenge for school districts is to navigate these threats while facing budget cuts, limited resources, and legacy systems. The key to tackling these threats is to invest in a robust cybersecurity program and technology platform that cost-effectively covers all areas of the school's operations.
Securus360 is focused exclusively on the K-12 education space and has developed a proven cybersecurity approach that is deployed at schools across the United States. The Securus360 Managed eXtended Detection & Response (MXDR) platform provides comprehensive protection against cyberattacks, including: detailed and ongoing vulnerability assessments, 24/7/365 real-time threat hunting, monitoring & detection, automated incident response and hybrid intelligence-based security analytics that combine Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with human cyber security analysts to ensure maximum alert accuracy. To learn more contact Securus360 to schedule a time to speak with a cybersecurity expert.
