As classrooms become increasingly digital, schools face a growing wave of cybersecurity threats. From K-12 districts to higher education institutions, protecting student data and digital systems is no longer optional—it's a top priority. In fact, cybersecurity was ranked as the #1 concern among EdTech leaders in 2024.
Cybersecurity remains a major problem for K-12 schools. In fact, it’s ranked as the primary concern among EdTech leaders in 2023. The future of cybersecurity in schools is a pressing concern, marked by the dynamic interplay between emerging trends, practical tips, and cutting-edge tools.
This article explores the future of cybersecurity in education, highlighting the key trends, technologies, and best practices shaping how schools can stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. As we navigate the ever-changing digital terrain, understanding and adapting to these developments is essential to ensure a safe and secure educational experience for students and educators alike.
Introduction to education cybersecurity
The education sector is a lucrative target for malicious actors due to the vast amount of sensitive data, including student records and personal information, that educational institutions possess. As a result, education cybersecurity has become a top priority for school districts, higher education institutions, and the educational community as a whole. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other data protection regulations emphasize the importance of safeguarding student data and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information.
The education sector faces unique cybersecurity challenges, including limited resources, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of awareness about cyber risks among students, teachers, and staff. Cyber threats, such as ransomware attacks, social engineering, and data breaches, can have devastating consequences, including compromised accounts, identity theft, and disruption of critical systems. Furthermore, the education industry is a prime target for cyber attacks, with educational institutions experiencing a higher rate of cyber incidents compared to other industries.
To mitigate these risks, educational institutions must implement robust security measures, including access controls, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits. Educating students, staff, and the broader educational community about cyber awareness, security hygiene, and best practices is also crucial in preventing common cyber incidents. The Infrastructure Security Agency (ISA) and the Department of Education provide additional resources and guidance to help educational institutions strengthen their cybersecurity posture and protect against digital threats.
In the current threat landscape, educational institutions must be proactive in increasing cybersecurity readiness and addressing systemic cybersecurity risk. This includes staying informed about the latest cyber threats, implementing effective security measures, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among students, staff, and the educational community. By prioritizing education cybersecurity, educational institutions can ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data, protect student information, and maintain the trust of students, parents, and the broader community. Ultimately, a robust cybersecurity posture is essential for educational institutions to provide a safe and secure learning environment, free from the threats of cyber attacks and data breaches.
Current cyberattack trends in schools
It isn’t hard to understand the concerns around school cybersecurity. Schools face a variety of online threats, especially when you consider that incidents are happening left and right - with one in four schools hit by cyberattacks in 2022 - and technology is only becoming more prominent in the classroom.
Several incidents in recent years have proven to be very costly. These incidents include a 2021 cyberattack on the Broward County Public School District of Florida. The district received a ransom request for $40 million.
Other attacks were costly in a different way. The University of Kentucky uncovered a breach that saw 335,000 email addresses compromised, although those email addresses weren’t limited to the university.
The University of California was also affected by a breach in 2021, with the leak affecting employees, students, current applicants, and almost everyone connected to the school system.
The rise of ransomware attacks in education
Ransomware continues to be the most disruptive cyber threat facing educational institutions—and it’s only getting worse. According to ThreatDown’s 2024 report, ransomware attacks on K-12 schools spiked by a staggering 92% in the past year alone. Higher education institutions weren’t spared either, with a 70% year-over-year increase in attacks.
This sharp rise underscores a troubling trend: threat actors see schools as prime targets due to the vast amounts of sensitive data they manage—everything from student records to employee files, financial data, and even medical information. Many school systems also run on outdated infrastructure, making them easier to exploit.
For K-12 IT teams, defending against ransomware has become one of the most pressing challenges. Attackers typically exploit stolen credentials or unpatched systems to gain access, then encrypt school data and demand a ransom to unlock it. The stakes are high—not only in terms of money, but in the potential disruption of learning, loss of trust, and long-term data exposure.
The 2024 K–12 Cyber Incident Map shows ransomware attacks distributed across districts of all sizes and in every region—confirming that no school is immune.
Ransomware isn’t the only cyber threat schools are grappling with. Other common attack types include:
- Student data breaches: Unauthorized access to student records or PII.
- Invasions: Hackers disrupting video conferences or live learning sessions.
- Other malware attacks: Including password guessing, trojans, and remote access tools.
- Denial of Service (DoS): Attempts to shut down school systems by overwhelming them with traffic.
- Defacement: Hackers altering school websites to display malicious or political messages.
- Business Email Compromise (BEC): Targeted phishing attacks impersonating school leadership or vendors to steal funds or credentials.
Current and future cybersecurity concerns
As security threats become increasingly sophisticated, the consequences will only become more expensive. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that the cost of cybercrime will reach a staggering $10.5 trillion by 2025. Schools that fail to plan for future cybersecurity attacks could be making an expensive mistake.
Schools must remain aware of and prepare to defend against evolving cybersecurity threats. Schools must prioritize data security to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. An increase in IoT, AI, cloud usage, and remote work expands the attack surface, which is why it’s so important to remain alert. Here are some examples of technology that create opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit.
Increased use of Internet of Things (IoT) in Schools
According to IoT Analytics, the number of connected IoT devices worldwide reached 16.7 billion in 2023—and it's expected to grow to over 29 billion by 2030. This explosive growth brings unprecedented access to real-time data and smart learning tools, but it also introduces serious cybersecurity risks, especially in education.
Schools are increasingly adopting IoT devices for smart boards, student tablets, security systems, HVAC automation, and more. Each device represents a potential entry point for cybercriminals. Without proper safeguards in place, the data collected and transmitted—often involving students, staff, and facility infrastructure—could be intercepted or misused.
The more connected the school environment becomes, the more critical it is to secure these endpoints. Threat actors often exploit unsecured IoT devices to gain lateral access to more sensitive systems on the network. This risk is compounded by outdated firmware, weak passwords, or lack of segmentation between devices and school networks.
To minimize the risk, schools should:
- Maintain an updated inventory of connected devices.
- Regularly update firmware and change default passwords.
- Implement network segmentation for IoT traffic.
- Use monitoring tools to detect unusual device behavior.
Cyber risks in 1:1 device programs
One-to-one (1:1) device programs have become nearly universal across U.S. schools. According to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 94% of public schools now provide a device for every student—a significant jump from earlier years.
While this shift has improved access to digital learning, it has also dramatically expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. Each device is a potential entry point into the school’s network, especially when students take devices off-campus or connect to unsecured networks.
Common vulnerabilities in 1:1 programs include:
- Unpatched software or outdated operating systems.
- Lack of endpoint protection on student devices.
- Inconsistent monitoring of device activity.
- Poor password hygiene or shared login credentials.
Without proper controls, hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to launch phishing campaigns, spread malware, or access sensitive school data. Protecting student privacy in a 1:1 environment requires layered security—from device encryption to strict access controls and user education.
School districts should also consider Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools to monitor, lock, or wipe devices remotely in case of loss, theft, or compromise.
The rise of hacker automation
Cybersecurity attacks are becoming increasingly automated. While attacks were once targeted and carried out manually, they’re now on autopilot. Hackers generate code that does their work for them, allowing them to work faster and at a larger scale. Automated attacks can exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive information and systems.
According to the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, schools and other small- to medium-sized enterprises are particularly at risk, primarily due to their limited cybersecurity resources.
Human error
Human error will always be a valid concern regarding cybersecurity. One innocent slip-up could result in a breach that leads to a mass leak or a ransom, requesting millions of education dollars. It can be exploited through social engineering attacks, where malicious actors deceive individuals into compromising sensitive information.
It would seem that too many schools are unprepared for the future of cybersecurity. Some 26% of teachers say they haven’t received security or digital privacy training. That schools are aware of the risk involved in human error makes this statistic particularly concerning.
Emerging tools for the future of cybersecurity
Decision-makers are turning to various tools and proactive measures to keep up with the increasing threat of cybercrime in schools. Let’s explore some emerging technologies poised to help the future of cybersecurity in schools.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
AI and ML enable schools to analyze vast amounts of data and threats far more quickly than ever before possible. These technologies can counter cybercrime by identifying patterns in user behavior and detecting irregularities and anomalies within the network.
AI and ML can also help protect intellectual property developed within educational institutions from cyber threats. All this data and analysis allows AI and ML to combat potential security threats in real time. As these technologies already impact various industries, it’s fair to expect them to play an essential role in the future of cybersecurity in education needs.
A well-structured device lifecycle management system
Device lifecycle management helps ensure that technology is well used from the moment of acquisition to the day it goes out of service. There are five phases of device lifecycle management:
- Planning: Involves creating a budget and determining the criteria.
- Acquisition: Includes vendor research and establishing a purchase plan.
- Deployment: Comprises configuration, management, training, and device distribution.
- Usage: Written usage policies need to be created and shared, including policies on information and maintenance.
- Maintenance: The better the maintenance, the longer the device’s lifespan.
- Recollection: Retrieving devices from students once the school year has ended.
- Disposal: A disposal plan ensures that the device doesn’t end up in someone else’s hands.
Device lifecycle management encourages schools to keep up with the latest technology and to continue evaluating if they need to update their devices. This system can help improve cybersecurity by simultaneously adding security software to all devices, using software to monitor network and location, and updating anti-malware software. Additionally, it encourages schools to adopt good practices in maintaining and updating their devices, which is crucial for enhancing cybersecurity measures.
Zero trust approach
Zero trust is a cybersecurity strategy that assumes all devices and individuals are trying to access locked resources even if they aren’t. As a result, it requires numerous verifications and authentications.
A zero-trust approach is the principle of strict access and not trusting anyone, even those inside your network. The security model requires strict verification for any user and device attempting to access information on a private network.
As we’ve already said, cybercrime is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Considering that, a zero-trust security approach would suit any school's cybersecurity strategy. The main benefit of zero-trust is that it reduces an organization’s attack surface. It’s also useful for damage control in the event of an attack by restricting the breach to a single small area.
Insisting that each request be verified reduces threats from using vulnerable devices like IoT devices. It’s also useful for identity and access management (IAM), including multiple authentication factors.
Increased multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) reduces the effects of phishing attacks and user credential theft. Cybersecurity in schools shouldn’t rely on passwords alone. Using strong, unique passwords is a critical component of multi-factor authentication to enhance security
MFA creates an additional layer of security by presenting users with a challenge to authenticate their details. Today’s MFA is fast and easy, which explains why schools are moving in that direction.
Cloud security
Cloud security is a crucial aspect of education security, protecting cloud-based data, applications, and infrastructure. These measures ensure device and user authentication, data privacy protection, and resource and data access control.
The technology protects school data from hackers, malware, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, and unauthorized use or user access. Cloud security can benefit schools by:
- Helping to achieve reduced upfront costs.
- Reducing administrative and operational costs.
- Improving DDoS protection.
- Increasing availability and reliability.
- Enabling more straightforward scaling.
5 tips for keeping your school cyber safe
Much of online education for students has focused on Internet privacy and safety - and for good reason. However, it’s important to focus on keeping student accounts and identities safe and away from the prying eyes of hackers. Below are three tips for updating your school’s cybersecurity to stay safe in the increasingly vulnerable virtual world.
#1 Adopt a cybersecurity framework
A cybersecurity framework provides a “best practices” outline for identifying and managing security risks, measuring cyber risk tolerance, and establishing controls. Having this solid foundation allows you to establish a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that includes policies, procedures, and technical controls aimed at reducing the risk of school data breaches or cyberattacks.
There are many different types of cybersecurity frameworks, each meant to protect against different types of cyber risks. The two that are most relevant for school systems are the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Center for Internet Security (CIS). Both of these resources are a great way to get started to improve the future of your school’s cyber security.
#2 Invest in cybersecurity training
As discussed, human error will always be one of the main concerns regarding cybercrime. Unfortunately, there are almost infinite ways this can play out. These can broadly be placed into two main buckets: errors of skill and decision-making.
- Errors of skill: Errors of skill occur from lapses and slips. These tiny mistakes crop up when users perform everyday tasks. They know what to do but fail to do the right thing due to negligence, a mistake, or a temporary lapse of judgment. They could be tired, distracted, confused, or simply weren’t paying attention.
- Errors of decision-making: Several factors can be involved when it comes to making an error in decision-making. Often, these factors include insufficient knowledge, inadequate information regarding the specific circumstance, or a failure to realize that inaction is a decision in itself.
Cybersecurity training addresses each of these categories. This training can help raise the employees’ awareness level regarding cyber security threats, reduce the risks of cyber attacks, and help install a security compliance culture within the company.
Additionally, cybersecurity training is essential for protecting both student and staff data from cyber threats. For student learning, check out these guides for teaching digital citizenship.
All hands on deck
Security is not a tech problem - all administrators must be involved in executing a cybersecurity plan, especially the school’s principal. Principals are ultimately responsible for making the decisions that ensure the well-being of school students and staff. It’s vital that they advocate for proper cybersecurity software and training and regularly raise awareness around tech security.
When addressing future cybersecurity strategies, principals must include an initiative for every employee to undergo cybersecurity training. It allows them to develop the skills to identify potential attacks and take the necessary precautions to prevent them.
Another important aspect of this is IT monitoring. IT monitoring is a collection of processes and products that determine whether or not an organization’s IT services and equipment are working correctly. It also identifies and helps resolve issues.
According to Gartner, IT downtime costs $5,600 per minute on average. IT monitoring uses basic tools, as well as AI-based advanced solutions, to predict and prevent outages from occurring. As IT infrastructures are more complex than ever, IT managers must install systems that enable them to keep up. IT monitoring isn’t just critical to an organization because it ensures system performance, it also sees that essential services remain operational.
#3 Implement an incident response plan (tabletop exercises)
Priority number one is preventing a cyberattack, obviously. But your school’s cybersecurity plan is incomplete without planning for the “what if.” That’s where an incident response plan comes in, also called a tabletop exercise.
An incident response plan should also address the potential exposure to inappropriate content as part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
A tabletop exercise (TTX) is a preparedness activity meant to simulate the experience of a school cyberattack. That way, should it happen, everyone is on the same page on how to handle it. Through the tabletop exercise activity, you should define the strategy and share answers to the following questions:
- What happens if a school data breach is discovered?
- Who should the cyberattack be reported to?
- What roles will staff, administration leaders, IT personnel, and law enforcement play?
- What resources are available?
- What will the breach notification look like and who will be responsible for sharing the information?
You may want to include additional questions unique to your school in your incident response plan. The main objective is to make sure that everyone is aware of what to do in the event of an attack so that, if one happens, there’s no confusion or panic.
#4 Update your security software
Relying on out-of-date software is like leaving your home unattended for a week without closing the windows. Cybercriminals are always looking for holes to exploit, and uninstalled updates only help them do just that.
Updating security software is crucial for protecting the educational sector from cyber threats. It takes only a few minutes and it’s also far less convenient than dealing with the effects of a cyberattack. To make it even easier, you can automate security updates and patch management. Security vulnerabilities are publicly reported daily, allowing cybercriminals to move quickly to exploit those new vulnerabilities. Patch management is the process of planning, testing, and implementing software updates or patches to address these vulnerabilities and improve the security and functionality of computer systems.
Automation also can help prevent school staff from falling for bogus updates. They’d be right to be suspicious of an unexpected email or a pop-up message telling them to click on a link and download a software update. Fake updates are one-way cybercriminals prey on the lack of knowledge of their victims. Updates should only be run or downloaded from trusted locations or sources.
#5 Be mindful of the physical aspect of security
While being cautious of cybercrime is mainly about digital protection, there’s another side to it. And that’s related to physical devices.
For instance, teachers should encourage students to lock their devices - smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. - when they leave them unattended, even within the school. Otherwise, anyone in the vicinity could potentially access them.
Students should also be careful of who they give access to their devices. Trusting their parents is one thing, but handing their phone to someone they only know casually to “quickly look up something online” could end poorly.
What to expect from the future of cybersecurity with Prey
The increase in cyberattacks in schools remains a concern, especially with our growing reliance on technology in the classroom. However, with committed, proactive leaders, schools can fight cybercrime and create a safe environment for students and everyone connected to the school network.
Leaders can reduce the risk and impact of cyber threats by developing a cybersecurity strategy for schools, investing in continued education and the latest technology, and consulting with professional cybersecurity experts. Education leaders have a responsibility not only to face the challenges but also to take advantage of these opportunities.
Recovering from a breach is time-consuming and expensive. By working with Prey, you can help to avoid this nightmare scenario. Prey will help ensure you have a robust cybersecurity system and can identify and thwart potential attacks.
With this system in place, your students, staff, and families will have confidence and trust that they're in a protected digital space. Book a demo todaySchedule a call with Prey today to take advantage of our edu discount and create a safer digital future for your school.
