Ransomware Attacks on Schools Are Escalating: How Schools Can Secure FCC Grants with a Proactive Cybersecurity Strategy
Ransomware attacks on schools and colleges are on the rise, posing an increasingly severe threat to the education sector. Recent reports reveal that K-12 schools and higher education institutions are increasingly becoming prime targets for cybercriminals. The situation is only getting worse. Since 2016, the K12 Security Information Exchange has documented over 1,300 K-12 cybersecurity incidents in K-12 schools, with ransomware being a predominant threat.
The frequency and intensity of these attacks are alarming. Education Week reports that in 2022, 45 U.S. school districts experienced ransomware attacks—a number expected to rise as cybercriminals continue to exploit vulnerabilities in school systems. Doug Levin, the national director of the K12 Security Information Exchange, emphasizes, “Schools are attractive targets for cybercriminals because they hold sensitive data, but they often lack the resources and expertise to secure it effectively.” This creates a dire need for schools to shift from a reactive to a proactive cybersecurity approach.
Overall Top-10 Cybersecurity Risks for K–12 Schools
Here’s a summary of the top 10 cybersecurity risks for K-12 schools:
Data Breaches: Schools are high-value targets for cybercriminals due to their vast amounts of personally identifiable information (PII) and often limited cybersecurity resources. Effective solutions involve comprehensive risk management, technical controls, and ongoing training can help avoid a cyber incident.
Ransomware Attacks: Ransomware hits 80% of K-12 providers, costing an average of $1.42 million per incident and disrupting learning for up to three weeks. To mitigate these attacks, schools should invest in backup solutions, modern IT infrastructure, and strong security measures.
Social Engineering: About 30% of education-sector employees fall for phishing scams. Regular training and technological measures like email filtering and domain protection are essential to combat these risks.
Device & Network Management: The complexity of managing various devices and BYOD policies necessitates robust endpoint security measures, including ZeroTrust endpoint defense software (we are moving beyond anti-virus software) and strong password policies.
Lack of Funding & Resources: Limited budgets often result in outdated infrastructure and inadequate cybersecurity. Integrated cybersecurity platforms offer a cost-effective solution compared to multiple standalone systems.
Lack of Employee Awareness: Insufficient cybersecurity training for staff and students increases vulnerability. Schools should include cybersecurity education in curricula and conduct regular drills. While still needed, the ZeroTrust architecture employed by Warden drastically reduces the need to constantly ensure the human can not be tricked, by giving them annual training.
Remote Learning: Ensuring secure remote access to learning resources involves strong authentication, encrypted data transmission, and continuous monitoring for unauthorized access. We can protect our systems in the cloud and our most sensitive databases with a new ZeroTrust file defense solution.
Insufficient Incident Response Prep: Many schools lack robust incident response plans, leading to extended disruptions. Schools need a clear response protocols, defined roles, and regular risk assessments. As such, the managed version of Warden comes with Incident Response as apart of its price tag, so that your school, district and state are no longer along in responding to a highly technical incident.
Regulatory Complexity: Schools face challenges adhering to various data privacy standards like FERPA, which can be complex and require ongoing updates and audits. Through our Managed Warden, we offer concise reporting to help meet some of the complexity requirements.
Insider Threats: Unauthorized access or mishandling of data by insiders can lead to data breaches. Effective measures include access controls and monitoring of user activity. We address this through our ZeroTrust approach at the endpoints and file system that once configured can ensure no unauthorized access or data breaches occur due to malicious and non-malicious intent.
Overall, Warden’s ZeroTrust managed solution addresses eight of these risks, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, social engineering, device and network management, lack of funding and resources, lack of employee awareness, remote learning (partially), and insufficient incident response preparation. The two areas it does not cover are regulatory complexity and remote learning.
Education ransomware attacks cost over $53B in downtime over 5 years Globally
The financial toll of these attacks is staggering. In 2020, ransomware attacks on K-12 schools in the U.S. cost over $7.5 billion, factoring in downtime, recovery, and response efforts, according to the Emsisoft Malware Lab. For schools operating on tight budgets, these attacks not only disrupt learning but also drain resources that could be better spent on educational programs and student services. The governments response is equal to a small compared to the size of the risk for K-12 schools from cybersecurity threats.
Strengthen the cybersecurity of the nation’s K-12 school systems through the FCC Pilot Granting $200 million over three years to Strengthen Cyber Defenses in K-12 Schools and Libraries
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced new initiatives to bolster cybersecurity in K-12 schools across the United States. This includes the establishment of the first-ever U.S. Government National Cybersecurity Strategy for K-12 institutions. Key actions involve a $200 million investment from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to improve cybersecurity resilience in schools, the formation of a Government Coordinating Council to bring together federal agencies and stakeholders, and enhanced support from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for school districts to defend against cyber threats. The initiatives aim to protect students’ data and ensure the continuity of education in the face of growing cyber threats.
4 Phases of a K-12 Cybersecurity Strategy That Schools Must Implement
Given the escalating K-12 cybersecurity threats landscape, it is crucial for schools to develop a robust cybersecurity plan—especially now, with the availability of FCC grants designed to support these efforts. The FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund provides schools with financial assistance to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. However, to qualify for these grants, schools must demonstrate that they have implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. According to EdTech Magazine, this involves a four-phase approach:
Assess: Schools must first assess their current cybersecurity posture. This includes conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify critical assets, vulnerabilities, and gaps in their existing security measures. Understanding where sensitive data is stored and who has access to it is vital.
Plan: Once vulnerabilities are identified, schools must develop a strategic plan to address them. This involves defining clear cybersecurity goals, prioritizing actions, and allocating resources effectively. The plan should outline the implementation of essential security measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and regular software updates, to safeguard data.
Execute: With a plan in place, schools must then execute the necessary cybersecurity measures. This includes deploying the right technologies, training staff on cybersecurity best practices, and establishing protocols for monitoring and responding to potential threats. Regular updates and ongoing training are crucial to maintaining a strong security posture.
Review and Revise: Cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Schools must continually review and revise their cybersecurity plans to adapt to new threats and changes in the technological landscape. This phase involves conducting regular audits, testing incident response plans, and making necessary adjustments to ensure that the school’s defenses remain robust.
K-12 Cybersecurity Risks from Cyberattacks
By following these four phases, schools can not only protect themselves from cybersecurity threats but also position themselves to qualify for much-needed FCC grants. The urgency for schools to adopt these measures cannot be overstated. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must the strategies to combat them. EdTech Magazine highlights that “a well-developed cybersecurity plan isn’t just about technology; it’s about having the right processes and people in place to respond to incidents swiftly and effectively.”
The stakes are too high for schools to ignore. By investing in cybersecurity now and aligning with the FCC’s requirements, educational institutions can protect their data, secure crucial funding, and safeguard their students’ futures.
