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CyberSec And I
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Cyberattacks: A Critical Threat to Education

 Driven by their growing reliance on digital tools, the wealth of student and staff data they hold, and often insufficient cybersecurity funding, schools have emerged as frequent targets for hackers. A report from the Center for Internet Security in March revealed that a striking 82% of U.S. K-12 schools endured a cyber incident between July 2023 and December 2024. 

Three Critical Facts:


  • Ransomware attacks against schools, colleges and universities rose 23% year over year in the first half of 2025, according to a report from Comparitech, a cybersecurity and online privacy product review website.
  • The six months saw 130 confirmed and unconfirmed ransomware attacks against educational institutions, with an average ransom demand of $556,000.
  • Education was the fourth-most-targeted sector during the first half of 2025, behind business, government and healthcare, according to Comparitech.


Now what is your organization going to do to avoid being next?


CyberSec And I is dedicated to empowering Education organizations to:


  • Understand and Secure Their Environment: Gain deep visibility into their systems and identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
  • Respond Rapidly to Incidents: Develop and implement robust incident response plans to minimize the impact of attacks.
  • Recover with Minimal Disruption: Ensure business continuity and minimize financial, reputational, and operational damage.


How We Help:


We collaborate closely with your teams to understand your unique challenges and perspectives. We help you:

  • Understand You: We work with your team using our multi-perspective approach to understand your people and your business
  • Build Your Story: Define your cybersecurity goals and identify the specific solutions that align with your needs.
  • Connect with Partners: Access a network of trusted partners who can provide the expertise and technology to achieve your objectives.


Don't wait for a cyberattack to disrupt your operations.


Contact CyberSec And I today and take the first step towards a more secure and resilient future for your Education organization.

Top 5 Cybersecurity Concerns for Education

Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

Data Breaches and Privacy of Sensitive Information

Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

Education environments are particularly susceptible to phishing. Students and staff, especially those who are "weary" or "overworked," may be more prone to falling for deceptive emails or messages. These attacks aim to trick individuals into revealing credentials, downloading malware, or making fraudulent payments, leading to significant financial losses and data breaches.

Ransomware and MalwarE

Data Breaches and Privacy of Sensitive Information

Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

Schools and universities are attractive targets for ransomware due to their reliance on digital systems for learning, administration, and critical data (student records, financial information, research data). Attacks can encrypt vital files, disrupt operations, and lead to costly recovery efforts or ransom payments. Malware in general also poses a constant threat, aiming to compromise systems and steal data. 



Data Breaches and Privacy of Sensitive Information

Data Breaches and Privacy of Sensitive Information

Legacy Systems and Outdated Technology/Lack of Patching

 Educational institutions hold a vast amount of sensitive personal data, including personally identifiable information (PII) of students and staff, financial details, health records, and valuable intellectual property from research. Breaches can lead to identity theft, fraud, reputational damage, and non-compliance with regulations like FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).



Legacy Systems and Outdated Technology/Lack of Patching

Legacy Systems and Outdated Technology/Lack of Patching

Legacy Systems and Outdated Technology/Lack of Patching

Many educational institutions operate with older IT infrastructure and third-party applications that are not regularly updated or patched. These outdated systems often have known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can easily exploit, creating significant entry points for attacks. The sheer volume and variety of devices and systems across a campus network exacerbate this challenge.


 



Limited Funding and Resources

Legacy Systems and Outdated Technology/Lack of Patching

Limited Funding and Resources

 Cybersecurity in education is often underfunded, with budgets frequently prioritized for staffing, classroom resources, and infrastructure. This lack of investment means schools may not be able to afford essential cybersecurity  . 

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