The Growing Target: Why Schools are Increasingly Vulnerable to Cyberattacks

In the increasingly digital landscape of education, schools are facing a rising wave of targeted cyberattacks. Hackers specifically target educational institutions due to the integration of technology in teaching and the valuable data they possess. Unfortunately, many schools still lack adequate cybersecurity measures, making them easy targets for fraudsters. The need to address this vulnerability is underscored by recent examples, such as the hacker attack on the "Erziehungsdepartement des Kantons Basel-Stadt" by threat actor "BianLian" and the ransomware attack on Hardenhuish School in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

In a recent incident, the "Erziehungsdepartement des Kantons Basel-Stadt," the education department of the Basel-Stadt canton in Switzerland, fell victim to a cyber attack orchestrated by the threat actor "BianLian." This attack specifically targeted the department's sensitive data, including student records, financial information, and administrative documents. Exploiting vulnerabilities in the department's network, the hackers gained unauthorized access and compromised the integrity and confidentiality of the data. This unsettling occurrence serves as a vivid reminder of the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect educational institutions from such malicious activities.

Adding to the growing list of cyberattacks on educational institutions, Hardenhuish School in Chippenham, Wiltshire, became the victim of a ransomware attack. The school's systems were infiltrated by hackers who deployed ransomware, effectively encrypting the data and demanding a ransom for its release. This devastating attack severely disrupted the school's operations and affected the learning environment for students and staff. Hardenhuish School serves as a stark reminder that no institution is immune to cyber threats, emphasizing the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against ransomware attacks and their disruptive consequences.

Factors Contributing to Schools' Susceptibility to Cyberattacks

1. Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness: Cybercriminals frequently target schools due to a lack of cybersecurity understanding among educational institutions. Many schools prioritize their resources on pedagogical goals, often overlooking the significance of staff and student cybersecurity training. This knowledge gap exposes schools to a wide range of cyber threats, including phishing attacks, malware infections, and data breaches. To address this issue, schools must prioritize cybersecurity education and ensure that all members of the academic community understand the risks and best practices to mitigate them.
2. Valuable Data on the Line: Schools possess a vast amount of important data, such as student records, financial data, and research data. This makes them tempting targets for cybercriminals seeking financial gain through the sale or exploitation of this information. Additionally, schools provide an entry point for cybercriminals to access larger networks due to the interconnectedness of educational institutions and the growing reliance on digital platforms and cloud-based services.
3. Battling on a Budget: Many schools operate with limited budgets and resources allocated to cybersecurity. Outdated hardware, insufficient security software, and a shortage of cybersecurity staff are common issues resulting from this financial constraint. Cybercriminals exploit this gap, targeting schools that are less likely to have strong security measures in place.
4. Inadequate Patch Management: Obsolete software with known security problems serves as a typical entry point for cyber attackers. However, due to limited resources and conflicting objectives, schools often struggle to keep their software and systems up to date. Cybercriminals take advantage of these weaknesses to breach school networks and compromise critical data. Implementing efficient patch management protocols is crucial to promptly address software vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of cyberattacks.
5. Weak Password Practices: Password security is frequently disregarded in the educational industry, leading to the use of weak passwords or reusing them across multiple sites. Cybercriminals exploit this weakness through brute-force attacks or password-guessing methods to gain unauthorized access to student accounts and networks. Once inside, they can cause severe harm or launch more advanced attacks. Schools must prioritize strong password practices and implement multi-factor authentication to enhance security.
6. Defending Against Ransomware: Ransomware attacks, which encrypt data and demand payment for its release, are on the rise. Unfortunately, many educational institutions lack robust data backup and recovery policies, making them more vulnerable to such assaults. Without adequate backups, schools may be forced to pay the ransom or face significant disruptions to their operations. Implementing comprehensive data backup and recovery strategies is crucial to minimize the impact of ransomware attacks and ensure the continuity of educational processes.
7. Vulnerabilities in the IoT Era: As Internet of Things (IoT) devices proliferate in school settings, cybersecurity risks escalate. Tablets, smartboards, and other IoT devices often lack robust security defenses, making them vulnerable to attacks. Cybercriminals can exploit these devices as entry points to gain unauthorized access to school networks and systems. Implementing stringent security measures for IoT devices, including regular updates, strong access controls, and network segmentation, is vital in safeguarding schools from cyber threats.

My conclusion

The recent examples of the hacker attack on the "Erziehungsdepartement des Kantons Basel-Stadt" by threat actor BianLian and the ransomware attack on Hardenhuish School in Chippenham, Wiltshire, demonstrate the growing urgency for robust cybersecurity measures in schools. Educational institutions must recognize the risks they face and prioritize the implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity defenses. By enhancing cybersecurity awareness, allocating sufficient resources, implementing robust patch management and password practices, establishing comprehensive data backup plans, securing IoT devices, and mitigating disruptions caused by cyberattacks, schools can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber threats. These proactive measures will create a safe and secure digital environment, ensuring the well-being of the academic community and protecting the integrity of educational processes.