5 Cybersecurity Challenges in the Education Sector - And How to Overcome Them

As the digital world continues to develop at a rapid pace, educational institutions face an increasing number of cybersecurity threats. The education sector, which holds a wealth of sensitive information and relies heavily on technology for running day-to-day operations, is an attractive target for cybercriminals. 

But what can schools actually do to successfully thwart cybersecurity threats?

The key is knowing what you’re up against.

In this blog, we will explore five major cybersecurity challenges facing educational institutions today and discuss strategies to overcome them.

Data breaches and student information protection

All educational institutions handle a vast amount of personal data, including student records, financial information, and research data. Protecting this data from breaches and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations such as the Data Protection Act 2018 can be a significant challenge, especially across MATs that manage multiple schools. 

And in fact, data breaches are becoming more common in schools and colleges - new figures from the Information Commissioner's Office, external (ICO) show 347 cyber incidents were reported in the education and childcare sector in 2023 - an increase of 55% on 2022.

Cancelled lessons and snaking lunchtime queues are among the immediate ways pupils are being affected by an increasing number of cyber attacks on schools. But the long term implications can be more sinister. One cyber attack, identified by the BBC in the south-west of England at the start of last year, saw hackers steal and publish several highly confidential documents, including information about children with special educational needs, child passport scans and staff contract details. 

This means that taking robust measures to combat data breaches is a matter of critical concern for all schools. Here are just a few ways schools can strengthen their data protection measures:

• Data encryption - encrypt sensitive data to protect it from unauthorised access. Encryption can be both at the software and the hardware level (we can help you with selection based on your needs). 
• Access controls and logs - implement strict access controls to ensure that only authorised individuals can access sensitive information. 
• Regular data audits - conduct regular third-party security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses. 
• Compliance training - provide ongoing training to staff about data protection regulations and best practices for handling sensitive information.

Phishing attacks

Staff-salaries.xls as an attachment often proves too alluring for even the most discerning office workers. 

It’s easy to see why phishing attacks are one of the most common and effective methods used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information. Phishing emails can appear to be from legitimate sources, making it easy for unsuspecting recipients to click on malicious links or provide personal information - a tactic that both students and staff can easily fall victim to.

As data shows, malicious actors’ interest in the education sector is growing: malware and phishing attacks remain the most prominent types of cyberattacks in education, which ranks fifth globally by industry in cybercrime incidents. 

There are several things schools can do to prevent staff members and students from falling victim to a phishing attack:

• Regularly educate and train staff and students about the dangers of phishing and how to recognize suspicious emails.
• Implement MFA to add an additional layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain access even if credentials are compromised.
• Use advanced email filtering tools to detect and block phishing attempts before they reach users' inboxes.
• Develop and maintain an incident response plan to quickly address and mitigate the effects of a phishing attack.

Ransomware attacks

Ransomware attacks involve malware that encrypts an institution’s data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid - usually with a deadline for payment. Often, the form of payment demanded will be a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. Educational institutions are prime targets due to their reliance on digital data and often limited cybersecurity budgets. A successful ransomware attack can disrupt learning, steal sensitive data, and lead to significant financial costs.

To reduce the impact of a ransomware attack, schools need to consider:

• Regular backups - implement a robust backup strategy that includes frequent backups of all critical data. Ensure backups are stored securely and offline.
• Endpoint protection - use advanced endpoint protection solutions to detect and prevent ransomware from infecting devices.
• User training - conduct regular training sessions to teach staff and students about the dangers of ransomware and safe practices to avoid infection.
• Network segmentation - segment the network to limit the spread of ransomware if an attack occurs.

It’s important to note that government agencies such as the National Cyber Security Centre discourage paying ransomware demands. If your school or trust uses the DfE's Risk Protection Arrangement, then you should already have a cyber incident response plan. This should be activated in the aftermath of an attack - while it is likely that the plan will not cover every circumstance, it will still help you respond in a structured and calm fashion.

Endpoint security vulnerabilities

The increasing use of multiple devices used in educational settings, such as interactive displays, tablets, and security cameras, introduces new vulnerabilities. These devices often lack robust security features, making them potential entry points for cyberattacks.

Endpoints are constantly exposed to human interaction, and many breaches occur accidentally due to simple mistakes. A well-meaning employee might leave their device unattended while logged into a sensitive system, leave a password on a desk, or use an unsecured network at a public hotspot.

When it comes to reducing endpoint security weaknesses, you’ll need to keep these things in mind:

• Network security - implement network security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure Wi-Fi protocols to protect IoT devices.
• Device management - maintain centralised management solutions to monitor and update devices regularly, ensuring they have the latest security patches.
• Segmentation - isolate devices on separate network segments to prevent them from being used as entry points to the main network.

Insider threats

While it may be an uncomfortable prospect to consider, insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, pose a significant risk to educational institutions. These threats can come from current or former employees, students, or contractors who have access to sensitive information and systems. Whether it’s a group of students pulling a prank or a jaded ex-staff member with malicious intentions, schools need to formulate a strategy to protect their ICT infrastructure from insider threats.

There are certain things institutions can do to reduce risks from within:

• Implement strict access controls and regularly review access permissions to ensure that individuals only have access to the information necessary for their roles.
• Use monitoring tools to detect unusual or suspicious behaviour that may indicate an insider threat.
• Develop and enforce comprehensive security policies that define acceptable use of technology and data.
• Establish clear procedures for revoking access to systems and data when an employee or student leaves the institution.

As the education sector continues to embrace digital transformation, cybersecurity must remain a top priority. By understanding and addressing modern challenges, educational institutions can better protect their data, systems, and reputation.

Working with ICT in education experts can help defend your educational institution against cybersecurity threats. Here at Novatia, we offer services that will help you understand your current position and advise you on where to make changes and improvements, as well as support on implementing the recommended measures. From ICT consultancy and advice to our extensive data audits and strategies, we can help keep your schools secure.

To discover more about how we can help you, please get in touch today.