Cyber Crime
Cyber Threats in K-12 Schools Surge: Report Reveals 82% Affected by Attacks
A staggering 82% of K-12 schools in the U.S. faced cyber incidents between July 2023 and December 2024, according to a recent report from the nonprofit Center for Internet Security (CIS). The study, conducted in collaboration with the Consortium for School Networking, uncovered over 9,300 confirmed cyberattacks across approximately 5,000 institutions during the 18-month period.
The Top Cyber Threats Facing Schools
The report highlights that schools are battling a range of cyber threats, including:
- Ransomware attacks that lock crucial school systems until a ransom is paid.
- Phishing and social engineering schemes that trick staff into giving up sensitive information.
- Data breaches exposing student and faculty records.
- Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks disrupting school operations.
- Malvertising—malicious ads that infiltrate networks to steal data.
Why Are Schools Prime Targets?
While cybersecurity concerns in schools are not new, this report confirms just how pervasive the problem has become. Cybercriminals are increasingly preying on the human element of security, using tactics like phishing to manipulate staff into revealing credentials. Instead of exploiting purely technical weaknesses, hackers are targeting trust and familiaritywithin school environments.
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The consequences of these attacks go beyond just data loss. Schools have experienced meal service disruptions, forced closures, and restricted access to critical student services like special education and counseling. Alarmingly, cybercriminals are even timing their attacks around exam weeks and other high-stakes academic events to maximize disruption.
“Unlike corporations with dedicated cybersecurity teams, schools often struggle with limited funding and expertise,” the report states. “Additionally, school environments foster openness and collaboration, making them easier targets for cybercriminals.”
Government and Legislative Response
Recognizing the growing crisis, federal and state governments have begun taking action. The Biden administration introduced cybersecurity funding and resources for K-12 institutions, though it remains unclear whether the incoming Trump administration will continue these efforts.
At the state level, lawmakers introduced 28 K-12 cybersecurity bills across 16 states in 2024 to enhance digital security in schools. Meanwhile, schools’ demand for cybersecurity assistance has skyrocketed—evidenced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) receiving $3.7 billion in funding requests for its $200 million cybersecurity pilot program. Only about 700 schools, libraries, and consortia were selected to participate, with recipients now required to secure competitive bids for cybersecurity tools and services.
Building Resilient Schools: The Way Forward
The CIS report underscores the urgent need for schools to prioritize cybersecurity. It stresses that fostering a culture where teachers and staff play an active role in digital defense—beyond just awareness training—is key to long-term resilience.
“With the right strategies in place, schools can build resilience against these threats,” the report concludes. “By adopting proactive defense measures and forming strong cybersecurity partnerships, schools can create an adaptive security culture that effectively counters evolving cyber threats.”
As cybercriminals continue to escalate their attacks on education systems, one thing is clear: schools must act now to defend their digital future.