Dangers of Social Engineering

Cyberattacks don’t always start with code — they start with people. In schools, social engineering has become one of the most common and damaging threats to data, safety, and trust.

Social engineering happens when attackers manipulate someone into revealing sensitive information — like passwords, student records, or network access — by pretending to be a trusted contact.

It might look like:

• A convincing email from “Tech Support” asking for credentials.
• A message that appears to come from the principal.
• A USB drive left “accidentally” in the teacher’s lounge.

How One Click Can Change Everything

All it takes is one click. A single opened attachment or login on a fake page can unleash ransomware, expose confidential data, or lock down district systems. Classes can grind to a halt, grades can be delayed, and student privacy can be compromised in seconds.

Protect Yourself and Your School

Building awareness is the strongest defense against social engineering. Every staff member and student plays a part.

Remember:

• Pause before you click.
• Check the sender’s email address carefully.
• Never share your login credentials.
• Report anything suspicious to IT immediately.

Awareness Is Our Best Defense

Social engineering thrives on trust — but vigilance stops it in its tracks. When schools promote awareness and skepticism online, they protect more than systems; they protect people, learning, and community trust.

Together, we can keep our schools, our data, and our future safe.