Cyber attacks are on the rise. Schools from, elementary to university-level, are especially vulnerable for multiple reasons.
The Guardian reported that schools were nearly twice as likely as private businesses to experience data breaches.
NPR breaks down why that could be the case.
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/11/1236995412/cybersecurity-hackers-schools-ransomware
Schools rely heavily on computer systems for a variety of functions, from taking attendance to uploading grades. They’re often among the largest employers especially in smaller communities; school records contain large amounts of sensitive information about students and employees. Hence, data breaches on schools can have catastrophic domino effects leading to identity theft and financial losses, either through theft itself or the cost of recovery.
Whether it’s through a ransomware attack or some other method, attackers exploit key vulnerabilities especially related to identity and access management (IAM). Preventing hacks in this area is as simple as using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, and most importantly using two-factor authentication. 2FA could be a physical token like a YubiKey, user verification through fingerprints or other biometrics, or a one-time password through an app like Google or Microsoft Authenticator.
Green Rocket Security understands that keeping your school’s data safe should be simple and affordable. Contact us today for a demo.