Coursing through the digital space has undoubtedly become a common routine within the educational system. In fact, the global elearning industry is projected to be at a $1 trillion valuation by 2027, as more schools rely on new variations of learning - including virtual experiences, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality - to make things more fun and efficient for their students. Research from the University of Potomac highlights that 70% of students prefer online classes over traditional classroom settings.
Despite these benefits, educational institutions remain prime targets for cybersecurity attacks as they continue to become hubs of sensitive data. Storing personal student information, financial aid records, and healthcare details, schools present an alluring target for cybercriminals.
Unfortunately, the combination of technology's growing role in education, the vulnerability of young, inexperienced digital users, and often limited cybersecurity resources and practices within these institutions has led to a significant surge in cyber threats.
V3 Cybersecurity, a leading cyber risk management firm led by Jorge Conde-Berrocal, highlights some of the biggest threats to K-12 schools' online safety in 2023.
Ransomware Dominance: In 2022, ransomware became the most frequently reported incident type, rising from 12% in 2020 to 62%. Data exfiltration rates have also increased, which continues to threaten the sensitive data of K-12 institutions up until this year (2023).
Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks on Schools: More than hacking a school's digital infrastructure, these attacks "hack" people's emotional intelligence. Phishing attacks are usually a form of social engineering where people with ill intentions use deceptive tactics to manipulate individuals into giving out their personal information. It can come in the form of a call, text message, or email that may look like it's coming from a legitimate source.
Human Error: Unintentional human errors, such as hastily responding to phishing attempts or using unsecured networks, are often the leading causes of cyber attacks.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Cybersecurity: Advanced cybercriminal groups are recruiting AI and ML specialists to design malware that can evade current detection systems, so if an educational institution is only focused on a surface-level type of protection, such threats may come undetectable.
Resource Limitations: Conde-Berrocal states, "Our (V3 Cybersecurity) data shows that most organizations lack the necessary foundation needed to reduce the risk associated with such threats effectively." Many school districts have limited resources or budgets focused on cybersecurity, with less than 2% of the operating budget allocated for this purpose. On top of the budget limitations, institutions also need adequate staffing and dedicated network security personnel.
The role of cyber risk and performance management
Cybersecurity experts like Jorge Conde-Berrocal and his team at V3 Cybersecurity bring invaluable knowledge and specialized skills to protect K-12 institutions from the constantly evolving threat landscape. Their expertise incorporates risk assessments, compliance readiness, and developing security strategies through their Minerva EDU risk management platform, which was recognized by Gartner in their 2021 & 2022 Hype Cycle for K-12 education.
The coexistence of human and tech
Cybersecurity automation and visibility are key areas where technology can act as a force multiplier for overworked IT staff. IT departments understand that the human element is often the weakest link in security chains. This is why adding intelligent technology, like Minerva EDU, can help by automating low-level activities and facilitating the transition from data entry to data-driven analysis.
V3 Cybersecurity takes this idea to a whole new level by developing a program that addresses this very need. V3's Minerva EDU is designed to be that great midpoint between showing the schools what they actually need for their cybersecurity measures while making it easy for these institutions to adapt and excel in this seemingly intimidating space.
Through Minerva EDU, V3 Cybersecurity ensures that K-12 districts are equipped with the proper risk management and assessment tools that can provide real-time insights into program maturity and legal exposure. The tool also simplifies compliance readiness, enabling institutions to have a clearer understanding (visibility) of their status as it applies to state and federal regulations.
The "not quite there yet" situation is still quite evident in the K12 cybersecurity landscape, but it has undoubtedly taken significant strides from its pre-pandemic state. Regulations are now being more broadly implemented, K-12 IT departments are becoming more mindful, and school administrators are becoming more aware of IT Risk. Fortunately, experts like Conde-Berrocal and his V3 Cybersecurity team are doing their part in collaborating with the schools and necessary government agencies to gear K-12 districts to a safer, more secure digital environment.
