Combating the growing cyber threats that are targeting schools is crucial. With an increase in reliance on digital learning tools, educational institutions have become an attractive target for cybercriminals. Schools need comprehensive cybersecurity protocols that ensure their students, staff’s, and data’s safety. This blog will explore the importance of cybersecurity in schools and how our expertise supports schools in Brunswick in building strong cybersecurity awareness programs that protect everyone from online threats.
The Growing Need for Cybersecurity in Schools
Learning adapted to technology is prevailing across the country, from cloud-based learning platforms and online student records to smart classroom technology. However, this increased reliance is proving to be exponentially alluring for cybercriminals. Seeking to steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, and demand ransom payments is becoming a common experience for schools.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, school districts across the country are experiencing an average of five cyber incidents per week. With a steady increase in cyberattacks on K-12 schools, it’s increasingly urgent for schools to implement cybersecurity procedures into their emergency operations planning. Let’s look at the most common attacks:
- Data Breaches: Targeting student and faculty information like social security numbers, medical records, and academic records, breaches can lead to severe legal liabilities for schools.
- Ransomware Attacks: With hackers locking school IT systems and demanding ransoms, there have been cases of schools cancelling classes or delaying exams due to locked-down systems.
- Phishing Scams: Fraudulent emails impersonating administrators, vendors, or IT personnel are becoming more common, tricking them into providing login credentials or financial details.
- Disruptions to Learning: Network outages, website downtime, and no access to critical educational tools prevent students from engaging in lessons effectively.
Developing Comprehensive Awareness Programs with Coastal
Now that we’ve explored the growing need for cybersecurity in schools, let’s look at the solutions. When schools in Brunswick partner with a trusted IT support provider, they gain customized cybersecurity awareness programs that educate everyone on the latest cyber threats and best practices.
Preventing cyber threats before they happen ensures that students and staff are equipped to recognize and respond to potential risks. An affiliated IT company, ASC, supports the importance of robust cybersecurity in a recent article of theirs. Promoting the need for cybersecurity against evolving threats, they reinforce the importance of prevention and education. Key areas of cybersecurity awareness training include:
- Data Protection & Privacy
At Coastal, we provide hands-on training for every member of staff, so they are confident with handling sensitive data, encryption, and access controls. When all staff understand how to prevent unauthorized access and data leaks, they work together to keep student data and financial records safe. Additionally, we offer student education on the importance of protecting personal information when using social media. - Recognizing & Avoiding Phishing Attempts
Brunswick schools must implement strong protocols to help faculty and students identify suspicious emails, links, and attachments within phishing attacks. This can be achieved through implementing phishing simulation tests so everyone can practice identifying real-world threats within a controlled environment. - Safe Internet Usage & Cyber Hygiene
We assist IT teams in configuring content filtering solutions and setting up secure access controls for schools’ networks. Additionally, we offer awareness sessions that teach the dangers of downloading unauthorized software, unverified links, and weak passwords. - Device Security & Password Management
With more schools providing students with tablets or laptops, we help train teachers and students on device security, including keeping software updated, strong password policies, and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible. - Incident Response & Reporting Procedures
We help Brunswick schools establish detailed protocols that can be followed by teachers when they suspect a breach. This consists of who to notify, how to contain the issue, and how to recover data. Training also includes cyber incident drills, preparing schools to respond quickly and effectively in case of an attack.
IT Support Services for Schools in Brunswick
Extending beyond our cybersecurity training, we offer comprehensive IT support in Brunswick to ensure schools have the technology they need to function efficiently and securely. Our IT services include:
- Network Security & Monitoring: We help protect school networks from cyber threats with real-time monitoring and threat detection.
- Cloud Solutions & Backup: Secure your data with cloud-based storage solutions and automated backups.
- Device Management & Maintenance: We ensure computers, tablets, and smartboards remain updated and secure.
- 24/7 IT Support: Our experts provide reliable, on-demand technical assistance whenever schools need it.
Partner with Us for a Safer School Network
Cybersecurity in schools is a shared responsibility, and with the right awareness programs and IT partnerships, educational institutions can significantly reduce their risk. At Costal, we are dedicated to helping schools in Brunswick build secure, efficient, and resilient IT environments. Contact us today to learn how our IT services can help protect your students, staff, and data.
