In recent years, data breaches and cyberattacks have made headlines for crippling large corporations and government entities. But today, it’s not just major organisations that are at risk—cybersecurity for schools is becoming a pressing concern. K-12 public and private schools are now prime targets due to basic cybersecurity measures and limited IT resources, making them 'soft targets' for cyber criminals.
Education is one of the top three most breached sectors in Australia. With sensitive student data and growing reliance on technology, schools face an escalating number of cyberattacks. This has prompted the Australian government to explore new strategies to combat the issue. A 2020 IBM survey revealed that nearly half of all educators had not received basic cybersecurity training, highlighting a critical gap in cybersecurity for schools. Additionally, the widespread use of technology in classrooms further increases schools’ exposure to threats.
Schools encounter a variety of cybersecurity challenges. Some of the most common and damaging threats include:
Phishing is a tactic where cybercriminals attempt to obtain sensitive information by pretending to be legitimate entities. Cybersecurity for schools is frequently undermined by phishing, which often manifests in three forms:
Ransomware is malicious software that locks down school IT systems until a ransom is paid. Frequently spread through phishing emails, ransomware can disrupt school operations, endanger sensitive data, and result in significant downtime.
The increase in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies exposes school networks to higher risks. With numerous student devices connecting to school systems daily, ensuring proper security measures is vital in maintaining cybersecurity for schools.
Failing to implement robust cybersecurity for schools can lead to severe consequences. The effects range from visible breaches of data and public relations crises to hidden costs like disrupted operations and loss of trust from the school community.
| Visible Impacts | Hidden Consequences |
| Breaches of school data | Unplanned cybersecurity expenses |
| Major IT repairs | Disruption of teaching activities |
| Public relations crises | Loss of trust from parents and students |
Implementing proper 'cyber hygiene' practices is essential for effective cybersecurity for schools. Much like maintaining personal hygiene ensures physical health, cyber hygiene refers to regular practices that keep IT systems secure and healthy.
Routine maintenance, including updating software and addressing vulnerabilities, is crucial to avoid making school systems easy targets for hackers. Essential cyber hygiene practices include:
Protecting schools from cyber threats requires more than just reacting to attacks. A proactive approach to cybersecurity for schools ensures systems are not only protected but also running smoothly. Well-maintained IT infrastructure reduces the likelihood of breaches while ensuring optimal performance in day-to-day school operations.
At Step Fwd IT, we specialise in proactive, security-focused IT services for schools. Our end-to-end solutions are designed to protect against major cybersecurity threats while keeping your technology running efficiently. We also encourage schools to integrate cybersecurity awareness into staff training and student curriculums.
When was your school’s last cybersecurity checkup? At Step Fwd IT, we partner with schools across Victoria, including Salesian College Sunbury, to create tailored strategies that safeguard IT systems and ensure ongoing performance. Contact us today to see how we can help enhance cybersecurity for your school.
