Importance of High Schools Needing Cybersecurity Education
When you think of cyberattacks, you probably envision large corporations falling victim to sophisticated security breaches. However, ackers have discovered that targeting schools and students is an easier way to commit a crime. With cyberattacks occurring every 39 seconds worldwide, nobody is safe without a robust security plan.
Cybersecurity lessons in high school education will equip students with the knowledge they need to protect their personal devices on school grounds, detect threats, and efficiently report them. With phones, tablets, and computers being integral parts of today’s education, the likelihood of students encountering an attack increases. However, with comprehensive and regularly updated cybersecurity lessons, they will learn to practice online safety and navigate the digital world effectively.
Continue reading to discover the 4 types of attacks that schools should be aware of and how teachers can assist students in staying safe on school grounds.
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Learning IT security in school will help students avoid these common threats
In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity should be a priority for everyone and can be an essential skill for students to learn at a young age. As technology continues to become more embedded in education, the risk of a cyber attack grows. Unfortunately, schools are becoming targets for cybercriminals committing crimes that directly affect students.
Here are a few of the most common cyber risks that schools and students may encounter:
Ransomware and malware attacks utilize malicious software to encrypt files and demand payment to regain ownership of them. Schools have increasingly become targets for this type of attack because hackers believe they will quickly meet the demands to regain control of their systems.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks overwhelm the system they target with website traffic, forcing it to crash. Schools have seen this type of threat emerge around critical testing times, causing chaos in their systems.
Insider threats may involve an unhappy employee or student seeking access to sensitive information or the ability to alter data, information, or access unauthorized details.
Phishing scams impersonate trusted entities to trick users into sharing personal information or clicking on a fake link. These scams have become extremely common among students who unknowingly click on the wrong link or email.
By understanding these threats and how they occur, students will be better equipped to recognize suspicious activity and respond accordingly. Implementing cybersecurity education in schools doesn’t just reduce the chances of an attack; it provides students with lifelong knowledge on how to keep their digital spaces safe.
The risk of personal devices in the classrooms
With technology at their fingertips, students should be aware of the dangers of cyberattacks and how they can appear on their personal devices. While devices can be useful tools for learning, they can also open the door for hackers to infiltrate the school’s network or gain sensitive information about students or staff.
Unfortunately, many personal devices (like phones or laptops) lack the robust cybersecurity measures necessary to protect students from malware, hacking attempts, or data leaks. If a student’s device is compromised, it could serve as an opening for a cybercriminal to access sensitive data, such as medical information or student records.
There are many ways a personal device can become a threat to the school’s infrastructure:
- The use of public Wi-Fi access: Many students use their devices outside of school, which means they are likely accessing public Wi-Fi. We find that it tends to lack proper encryption and security protocols to keep their information safe. If a hacker can access their information, they may discover the student’s location or any identifying details about them, putting the student, their friends, and their school at risk.
- The loss or theft of a device: Sometimes, these items are stolen from classrooms, lockers, or backpacks. If stolen devices lack strong passwords or multifactor authentication, anyone can access sensitive information or applications, potentially allowing the thief to breach the school’s network.
- Outdated software: If a student does not regularly update their devices with the latest software or antivirus updates, they are more likely to experience malware and phishing attacks.
To address these potential threats, schools can implement various security measures and rules for students to follow that will safeguard their devices. Adopting a robust security strategy that enforces guidelines for connecting to the school’s network may include strong passwords, multifactor authentication, or restricted access to certain applications.
Schools can rely on the expertise of IT and cybersecurity professionals to guide them in developing policies, security strategies, and protocols to protect all students and staff. With a proper strategy in place, students can continue using their devices at school without compromising on safety.
4 Cyber hygiene tips everyone should be aware of
Cybersecurity should not stop when students leave the classroom; their devices carry risks wherever they go, and poor cybersecurity practices outside of school could bring threats into the school. That’s why it’s critical for both teachers and parents to actively encourage secure cyberhygiene practices.
Below are a few foundational cybersecurity practices that parents and teachers should understand to help their students.
Network Security
Ensure students grasp the fundamentals of network security, including firewalls, enabling intrusion detection systems, and securing Wi-Fi. Educate them about the risks associated with using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks and help them develop healthy cyber practices at home.Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Encourage the use of multifactor authentication whenever it’s available. Adding this additional layer of security can involve requiring users to send a code to a phone number or email. This simple step can reduce the risk of unauthorized access, even if a password has been compromised.Secure Communication
Encourage students to use messaging apps and tools that utilize encryption. If they are sending sensitive or personal information or operating a device on an unsecured network, employing a virtual private network (VPN) can help keep their data secure.Online Research and Source Evaluation
Teach students how to distinguish between a reliable source of information and a potentially risky one. The ability to recognize bias and spot misinformation will help them navigate the broader digital landscape both in school and in their lives.
High school students, in particular, will be able to grasp more advanced concepts through training, simulations, and hands-on learning. This guidance begins with support at home and in the classroom. If students have the resources they need to fully understand how to use safe cyber protocols, they are more likely to avoid risks both in school and at home.
Protect Your School with Regulated Security Services
Rely on a team of cybersecurity experts to handle all your security needs. From backing up your systems to maintaining compliance, your school and students will remain safe.
How to protect against cyberattacks in schools
To implement cybersecurity education in your school’s lessons, you must first train the teachers, staff, and parents. By providing comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training that is regularly updated and paired with useful resources for teachers, staff, and parents to reference, they will gain a thorough understanding of what to teach their students and children.
Schools can hold regular discussions and training sessions for students to inform them about the latest threats that could affect them and how to mitigate these risks. The school administration can also rely on a team of IT and cybersecurity experts to guide them in creating comprehensive and easy-to-understand training, as well as implementing solutions and protocols to follow best practices and enhance their cybersecurity.
If your school would like to integrate cybersecurity training into its educational lessons for students, staff, and the community, contact us today. Our team of professionals can help you understand what threats your infrastructure may be susceptible to, how to close any security gaps, and what to teach your students and staff about cybersecurity.
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