• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Commonwealth Sentinel

Kentucky Cyber Security

MENUMENU
  • Home
  • About
    • About: Sheri Donahue
    • About: Leo Haggerty
    • Career Opportunities
  • Services
    • Vulnerability and Threat Evaluation
    • Transformation Management
    • CISO Management Services
    • Incident Response Management
  • News
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us
You are here: Home / Blog / K-12 Cyber Security threats snowball and schools are hard-pressed to respond

commonsent / November 4, 2022

K-12 Cyber Security threats snowball and schools are hard-pressed to respond

K-12 Cyber Security

The world has certainly changed since I was a child. I am willing to bet that if you are over 30, you likely have a similar opinion, and it is not about K-12 Cyber Security. It’s everything!

The idea of someone coming into our school with a gun would never have crossed our minds. If we were inside the building, we were safe.

But today, even if our school buildings are fortresses of safety with locks, cameras, and bullet-proof windows, our children are still at risk from cyber criminals.

As technology has rapidly expanded and infiltrated not only our daily lives but our mere existence, the educational environment has grown exponentially. Technology has become critical for teaching and learning due to the extreme impact of a global pandemic and the overnight transition to remote classes. With this dependence on our IT systems came cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Before COVID-19, the two areas that cyber criminals rarely attacked were schools and healthcare. However, that changed simply because of the dependence on IT. Cyber criminals know that a school will have to pay a ransom to continue teaching. Plus, the opportunities are exponentially greater because there are so many more entry points available.

FROM STATES SCOOP: Cyberattacks against K-12 schools continue to worsen, says analyst

FROM THE 74: It’s Back to School for Cyber Gangs, Too

FROM AP: Ransomware criminals are dumping kids’ private files online after school hacks

In addition to facilitating the education component for which schools are responsible, technology is also important for physical protection (with cameras, door locks, and communications) and the administration of the business of operating the school (scheduling, communications with parents, record-keeping, staff salaries/insurance, etc.)

Not only can a cyber attack impact learning, but it can also impact physical security and result in the loss of data (names, addresses, birth dates, social security numbers, and banking information).
With so much at stake, the importance of cyber security in schools has been elevated.

However, just because it is more important does not mean it receives the attention it deserves. Remote learning (i.e., more potential entry points), limited budgets, a small number of IT staff (or none at all), and the tremendous amount of student and staff data all make school systems very attractive targets for cyber attacks.

Recently, school systems have started looking at using third-party vendors (Managed Security Service Providers) to take on the role of virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO). With the economies of scale, such an arrangement can provide to several schools within a district, and the risk can be mitigated. In addition, implementing the security controls that an MSSP can provide will improve the chance of being approved for a cyber insurance policy and a reduced rate.

Lastly, school superintendents and IT staff should not wait for guidance from state or federal agencies. In fact, a GAO report from 2021 found that the last-published version of the Education Facilities Sector-Specific Plan was in 2010 and was focused primarily on physical threats with very little emphasis on cyber threats.

I would say that the world has changed quite a bit in twelve years. Take the initiative and protect your schools now. And if you are a parent, ask your school what they’re doing to protect your children online.

Do you prioritize the safety and security of your organization? Allow Commonwealth Sentinel to be your partner in risk reduction and ensuring the well-being of all. Our comprehensive services range from software and hardware solutions to training and policy implementation. Contact us at (502) 320-9885 to learn more about how we can help you achieve peace of mind.

Filed Under: Blog

Primary Sidebar

LOOKING FOR A FREE CYBER SECURITY CONSULTATION?

Do you think your organization is at risk of being targeted by cyber criminals? Unfortunately, organizations of all sizes are vulnerable. It’s predicted that by the end of 2023, cyber crimes will result in a loss of $8 trillion, which is almost a third of the USA’s GDP in 2022. It’s essential to take precautions to protect your organization from these threats.

Fill out the form below to begin your Cyber Security Consultation. We will follow up with you to discuss the next steps.

Don’t be a sitting duck!

More Cyber News!

  • Wake-up Call: Cyber Security Compliance Doesn’t Belong with the IT Department
  • The Cyber Security Dangers of Outdated Technology
  • Business Email Compromise BEC…The Silent Killer
  • Ransomware: The Growing Threat and How to Fight Back
  • Are you a target for spear phishing? Learn how to protect yourself.

Footer

CONTACT US

Address:
Commonwealth Sentinel Cyber Security
1230 Us Highway 127 S Suite 5 Frankfort KY 40601
Phone:
(502) 320-9885

ABOUT US

Cyber security consulting for local governments, non-profit organizations, and small businesses facing the threats of the cyber world.  At Commonwealth Sentinel, we are passionate about helping people be cyber-safe!

FOLLOW US

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Phone
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 Commonwealth Sentinel

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT