What are the Biggest Threats to School Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity threats come in all shapes and sizes, but some are more common and dangerous than others. Here are some of the biggest threats to school cybersecurity:

Phishing attacks are one of the most common threats to school cybersecurity. A phishing attack is when a hacker sends an email or text message that appears to be from a trusted source, such as a school administrator or teacher. The goal of a phishing attack is to get the victim to click on a link or open an attachment that contains malware or ransomware.

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks down all of the files on a computer until the victim pays a ransom. Ransomware is becoming more and more common, and it can be very difficult to recover your files once they have been attacked.

Malware is any type of software that is designed to damage or disable computers. Malware can be installed through phishing attacks, infected websites, or removable media such as USB drives.

Spyware is a type of malware that collects information about the user without their knowledge or consent. Spyware can be used to track the user’s online activities and steal their passwords and personal information.

A denial of service attack is when a hacker sends a lot of traffic to a website or server in order to overwhelm it and shut it down. This type of attack can be very damaging to school systems and can cause a lot of financial damage.

Networks are vulnerable to attack if they are not properly secured. Hackers can exploit network vulnerabilities to gain access to school systems and steal sensitive information.

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks are a major target for hackers. Anyone who is using an unsecured network can be easily hacked and their personal information stolen.

Social engineering is the practice of manipulating people into giving away sensitive information such as passwords or credit card numbers. Hackers often use social engineering tactics to gain access to school systems.

Bring your own device (BYOD) policies can pose a security risk if devices are not properly secured. If students are allowed to bring their own devices to school, it is important to have a policy in place that sets rules for how these devices must be secured.

One of the biggest threats to school cybersecurity is a lack of staff training. If school staff are not aware of the dangers and how to protect themselves, they are more likely to fall victim to a cyberattack.

In closing, school cybersecurity is a growing concern and it is important to be aware of the different threats that are out there. By understanding the dangers, school staff can take steps to protect themselves and the school systems they manage.