The Biggest Mistakes Schools Make with Cybersecurity in Education 

If you’re an IT leader or administrator in a school, you already know that managing technology is a huge part of keeping things running smoothly. But let’s be honest – when it comes to cybersecurity in education, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Schools face unique challenges, from limited budgets and staff training to handling sensitive data on outdated systems. 

The reality is that educational institutions are prime targets for cybercriminals. In fact, according to the K-12 Cybersecurity Resource Center, there were 1,619 cyber incidents in U.S. schools in 2022. That’s a 30% increase from the previous year, and the numbers keep climbing. Cyberattacks disrupt operations, expose personal information, and can lead to significant financial losses. 

So why are schools still struggling to keep up? It often comes down to some common but avoidable mistakes. Let’s look into the biggest cybersecurity mistakes the education sector makes and how you can start fixing them today. 

1.Thinking Your School is Too Small to Be a Target 

One of the most common misconceptions is that cybercriminals only go after large organizations. It makes sense – big companies have more data and money to steal, right? Unfortunately, hackers know that small and mid-sized schools and education institutions often lack the robust defenses that larger institutions have. This makes them attractive targets. 

Take the case of the Baltimore County Public Schools in 2020. A ransomware attack forced the entire district to shut down for days, costing more than $10 million in recovery and disrupting remote learning for over 100,000 students. The attack exploited weak points that could have been secured with better preventative measures. 

The truth is, hackers are opportunistic. They know smaller schools may not have dedicated IT security staff or comprehensive defenses. That’s why they specifically look for easy targets where they can quickly gain access and demand a ransom or sell stolen data. 

The good news? You don’t need a Fortune 500 budget to protect your school. Even simple steps like multi-factor authentication (MFA), regular software updates, and training staff to spot phishing can make a huge difference to creating a secure educational environment. 

At TechGuard, we’ve seen firsthand how smaller schools often feel like advanced cybersecurity measures are beyond their reach. That’s why we developed solutions like DEFEND360, designed to provide comprehensive security that scales with your needs. You get 24/7 monitoring without overwhelming your IT team. 

2. Not Prioritizing Staff Training 

Cybersecurity training often gets pushed to the back burner. Teachers and administrators are busy, and IT teams might not have the resources to run comprehensive training programs. But neglecting staff learning is one of the biggest risks for education cybersecurity. 

Here’s why it matters: According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) 2023, 82% of breaches involve a human element. In schools, that often means a staff member unknowingly clicks on a malicious link or opens an attachment from a phishing email. 

It’s not about blaming staff – it’s about understanding that cybercriminals often exploit human error. The more aware your staff is, the less likely they are to fall for these tricks. But training can’t just be a one-time event. Cybersecurity challenges change, and so should your staff’s knowledge. 

At TechGuard, we use SHIELD Awareness Training to keep school staff informed and vigilant. It’s not about lengthy seminars or boring videos – it’s quick, interactive, and designed for the busy schedules of educators. Regular refreshers ensure that staff stay sharp, and the content is tailored to the kinds of threats schools actually face. 

3. Relying on Outdated Security Measures 

It’s understandable – budgets are tight, and replacing old systems feels daunting. But relying on outdated antivirus software or firewalls can leave your school exposed. Modern cyber threats are more advanced, and legacy systems simply can’t keep up. 

A good example is the Los Angeles Unified School District incident in 2022, where outdated security practices led to a data breach affecting thousands of students and staff. Hackers exploited vulnerabilities that hadn’t been patched, showing how crucial it is to keep systems updated. 

We know that schools and higher education institutions can’t always afford to overhaul their entire IT infrastructure. That’s why we focus on smart, layered solutions. Our DEFEND360 system doesn’t just block threats – it actively monitors for unusual activity and responds in real time. By integrating advanced threat detection with human oversight, we make sure your defenses stay current without overwhelming your budget. 

4. Ignoring the Security Risks of Remote and Hybrid Learning 

With more schools adopting hybrid and remote learning, the attack surface has expanded. Students and staff are logging in from home networks, using personal devices, and accessing school systems from a variety of locations. This flexibility is great for learning but challenging for cybersecurity and ensuring a secure learning environment. 

Remote setups often lack the same protections as on-campus systems. If a teacher’s personal laptop gets infected, it can spread to the entire school network when they log back in. Cybercriminals know this and actively target remote access points. 

One simple but effective strategy is to enforce secure VPN connections and MFA for remote access. Even better, have IT regularly review which devices are accessing your network and ensure they meet security standards. 

At TechGuard, we’ve seen the educational sector struggle to manage remote security, which is why our solutions focus on endpoint protection. DEFEND360 ensures that any device connecting to your network is secured and monitored, whether it’s a school-issued laptop or a personal device. 

5. Failing to Stay Compliant with Data Protection Regulations 

Education data is heavily regulated, with laws like FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) setting strict requirements. Falling behind on compliance can mean hefty fines and loss of funding. Yet, many schools don’t have clear processes for maintaining compliance. 

When the Clark County School District in Nevada faced a ransomware attack in 2020, they not only lost access to data; they also risked violating federal privacy regulations by having student information exposed. Staying compliant means more than just installing software – it’s about ongoing monitoring, reporting, and regular audits. 

DEFEND360 automatically tracks compliance with FERPA and CIPA, giving your IT team a clear picture of where your school stands. Instead of manual checks, you get real-time alerts if something’s out of place. 

Take Control of Your School’s Cybersecurity Today 

Protecting your school from cyber threats doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By addressing these common mistakes, you can significantly reduce your risk. Whether it’s training staff, upgrading outdated systems, or securing remote connections, proactive steps make a difference. 

Ready to secure your school? Talk to a TechGuard expert today to see how we can help you protect your students and staff. 

FAQs: 

1. Why is cybersecurity in education so important? 

Schools handle sensitive data, including student records, financial information, and staff details. Cyberattacks can compromise this data, leading to breaches, legal issues, and financial loss. Implementing strong cybersecurity practices helps protect against these risks. 

2. How can schools improve cybersecurity? 

Improving cybersecurity involves a few key steps: 

• Training staff to recognize phishing and other threats. 

• Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) for secure access. 

• Keeping software and systems up to date. 

• Implementing a proactive cybersecurity solution like TechGuard’s DEFEND360 to monitor and respond to threats in real time. 

3. What are the biggest cybersecurity threats for educational institutions? 

The most common threats include: 

• Phishing attacks: Trick staff into revealing login information. 

• Ransomware: Locks down data until a ransom is paid. 

• Data breaches: Compromise sensitive information. 

• DDoS attacks: Disrupt online learning by overwhelming the network. 
  Staying vigilant and using comprehensive security tools helps mitigate these risks. 

4. Why do small schools think they are not targets for cyberattacks? 

Many small schools assume hackers only go after large institutions with more data. In reality, cybercriminals often target smaller schools because they know these institutions may lack robust defenses. Investing in scalable security solutions is essential, regardless of school size. 

5. How does TechGuard’s SHIELD Awareness Training help schools? 

SHIELD Awareness Training is designed specifically for educational institutions. It provides practical, interactive training that helps staff recognize threats like phishing emails, weak passwords, and suspicious links. The training is quick and easy to integrate into busy school schedules, making cybersecurity awareness a part of everyday practice. 

6. Can schools afford comprehensive cybersecurity solutions? 

Yes, TechGuard offers scalable solutions tailored to educational institutions. Whether you’re a small school or a large district, our solutions fit various budget sizes without sacrificing quality. DEFEND360 provides enterprise-level protection at a cost designed for schools. 

7. How can schools secure remote learning environments? 

Securing remote learning means protecting devices and data used off-campus. Implementing endpoint protection, using secure VPNs, and training staff on safe remote practices are crucial. TechGuard’s DEFEND360 includes features that protect all devices connected to the school network, even remotely. 

8. Are schools required to comply with specific cybersecurity regulations? 

Yes, schools must comply with laws like FERPA and CIPA, which require protecting student data and maintaining safe online environments. Failure to comply can result in fines or loss of funding. Using TechGuard’s solutions helps schools maintain compliance through automated monitoring and reporting. 

9. What should schools do immediately after a cyber incident? 

If a cyber incident occurs, it’s important to: 

• Disconnect affected systems from the network. 

• Notify IT staff and, if necessary, law enforcement. 

• Conduct a quick assessment to understand the scope. 

• Implement incident response protocols. 

TechGuard’s DEFEND360 assists with incident response by providing 24/7 support and guidance on containment and recovery. 

10. How often should schools update their cybersecurity practices? 

Cyber threats evolve constantly, so it’s best to review and update practices at least annually. Regular staff training, software updates, and system audits help keep defenses strong. TechGuard’s continuous monitoring ensures that updates are applied automatically when new threats are detected.