School administrators are challenged by the pressures associated with protecting student data, meeting edtech compliance regulations, and delivering sophisticated technologies to classrooms, all while staying within budget. It’s a tough balancing act, made even tougher by budget cuts and internal IT teams being spread far too thin to manage it all.
Schools Are a Big Target
Schools have become a big target, in part because they not only contain copious amounts of personal data on students and families, but also because hackers have the potential to tap into other, connected government systems through the school networks. Some experts believe that schools are more vulnerable than businesses.
A New Jersey school district was the victim of ransomware in 2015 by a foreign hacker who demanded $128,000 in bitcoin to return control of their network. Also in 2015, internal hackers at a New York State high school managed to change their grades in the system. As well, a school district in Washington State fell victim to a phishing scheme that delivered the personal information of nearly 100 students into the hands of hackers.
Every School Must Do More
Schools must take cybersecurity and edtech compliance seriously. It requires a combination of tactics that include layers of security, controlling access to the network, training employees, and detecting threats as early as possible.
thinkCSC works closely with many Ohio School Districts to help keep their data safe and available. We deploy innovative, affordable technology to help your schools maximize network efficiencies and minimize external threats. With a specific focus on the needs of educational institutions of every size, we offer unique solutions, dedicated technical support and expertise, and state-of-the-art security solutions specifically designed to meet the unique demands that apply in an educational setting. Contact us to learn more.
