Avoid these 10 common cybersecurity mistakes to keep your schools from digital threats. Your data and reputation are worth it!
Cybercriminals can launch very sophisticated attacks. But it’s often lax cybersecurity practices that enable most breaches. This is especially true when it comes to K-12 schools.
Head of schools often don’t prioritize cybersecurity measures. They may be just fully focused on growing the schools. They think they have a lower data breach risk. Or they may think it’s an expense they can’t bear.
But cybersecurity is not only a concern for large corporations. It’s a critical issue for K-12 schools as well. K-12 schools are often seen as attractive targets for cybercriminals. This is due to many perceived vulnerabilities.
Fifty percent of SMBs have been victims of cyberattacks. More than 60% of them go out of business afterward.
Cybersecurity doesn’t need to be expensive. Most data breaches are the result of human error. But that is actually good news. It means that improving cyber hygiene can reduce the risk of falling victim to an attack.
Are You Making Any of These Cybersecurity Mistakes?
To address the issue, you need to first identify the problem. Often the teams at K-12 schools are making mistakes they don’t even realize. Below are some of the biggest reasons schools fall victim to cyberattacks. Read on to see if any of this sounds familiar around your company.
1. Underestimating the Threat
One of the biggest cybersecurity mistakes of K-12 schools is underestimating the threat landscape. Many principals assume that their school is too small to be a target. But this is a dangerous misconception.
Cybercriminals often see schools as easy targets. They believe the school lacks the resources or expertise to defend against attacks. It’s essential to understand that no business is too small for cybercriminals to target. Being proactive in cybersecurity is crucial.
2. Neglecting Employee Training
When was the last time you trained your employees on cybersecurity? K-12 schools often neglect cybersecurity training for their employees. Principals assume that they will naturally be cautious online.
But the human factor is a significant source of security vulnerabilities. Employees may inadvertently click on malicious links or download infected files. Staff cybersecurity training helps them:
- Recognize phishing attempts
- Understand the importance of strong passwords
- Be aware of social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals
3. Using Weak Passwords
Weak passwords are a common security vulnerability in K-12 schools. Most of the school staff use easily guessable passwords. They also reuse the same password for several accounts. This can leave your school’s sensitive information exposed to hackers.
People reuse passwords 64% of the time.
Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security.
4. Ignoring Software Updates
Failing to keep software and operating systems up to date is another mistake. Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to systems. K-12 schools should regularly update their software to patch known security flaws. This includes operating systems, web browsers, and antivirus programs.
5. Lacking a Data Backup Plan
K-12 schools may not have formal data backup and recovery plans. They might mistakenly assume that data loss won’t happen to them. But data loss can occur due to various reasons. This includes cyberattacks, hardware failures, or human errors.
Regularly back up your school’s critical data. Test the backups to ensure they can be successfully restored in case of a data loss incident.
6. No Formal Security Policies
K-12 schools often operate without clear policies and procedures. With no clear and enforceable security policies, employees may not know critical information. Such as how to handle sensitive data. Or how to use school devices securely or respond to security incidents.
K-12 schools should establish formal security policies and procedures. As well as communicate them to all employees. These policies should cover things like:
- Password management
- Data handling
- Incident reporting
- Remote work security
- And other security topics
7. Ignoring Mobile Security
As more employees use mobile devices for work, mobile security is increasingly important. K-12 schools often overlook this aspect of cybersecurity.
Put in place mobile device management (MDM) solutions. These enforce security policies on company and employee-owned devices used for work-related activities.
8. Failing to Regularly Watch Networks
K-12 schools may not have IT staff to watch their networks for suspicious activities. This can result in delayed detection of security breaches.
Install network monitoring tools. Or consider outsourcing network monitoring services. This can help your school promptly identify and respond to potential threats.
9. No Incident Response Plan
In the face of a cybersecurity incident, K-12 schools without an incident response plan may panic. They can also respond ineffectively.
Develop a comprehensive incident response plan. One that outlines the steps to take when a security incident occurs. This should include communication plans, isolation procedures, and a clear chain of command.
10. Thinking They Don’t Need Managed IT Services
Cyber threats are continually evolving. New attack techniques emerge regularly. K-12 schools often have a hard time keeping up. Yet, they believe they are “too small” to pay for managed IT services.
Managed services come in all package sizes. This includes those designed for SMB budgets. A managed service provider (MSP) can keep your business safe from cyberattacks. As well as save you money at the same time by optimizing your IT.
Learn More About Managed IT Services
Don’t risk losing school’s significant data because of a cyberattack. Managed IT services can be more affordable for your school than you think. Contact Fortabyte Cyber Solutions today to schedule a chat.