Education
Navigating Cyber Risks
Cyber Stats
Educational Institutions have become a favorite target of cybercriminals because of potential access to vast amounts of sensitive student and staff data.
Often due to limited IT budgets, a lack of network policy, and insufficient student and staff training, education facilities can become victims of cyber-attacks.
While cybersecurity in education is necessary to protect against financial loss and prevent disruption, it’s also crucial to protect students and staff from harm.
Here are some alarming education statistics to review:
- Education sector ranks last in cybersecurity preparedness.
- 44% of education institutions were targeted by ransomware in 2020
- 62% of recent malware incidents were in the education sector, a 7x increase from the prior year.
- $4.77 million– The avg. cost of a university data breach
- $142– Avg. cost per record stolen
- 72% of end-user devices in education environments are running an older version of the operating system
Compliance & Regulations
While this is not intended to be an exhaustive list, there are quite a few cybersecurity laws and regulations specific to education.
While the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) does not require educational institutions to adopt specific security controls, security threats can pose a significant risk for student privacy. Educational institutions should take appropriate steps to safeguard student records. Breaches of educational data are common and can lead to a violation of FERPA.
The Department of Education, along with the FTC continue to take steps to ensure the confidentiality, security, and integrity of student and parent information related to institutions of higher education. These institutions must also adhere to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA).
Other regulations you should review:
- General Data Privacy Regulation (GDPR)
- Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
- Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
- Student Online Personal Information Act (SOPIPA)
Risk & Business Impact
Each organization from K-12 through Higher Education requires a unique approach. The cybersecurity culture should be adopted based on available resources, budget and compliance.
Predictions & Beyond
Security awareness training for students, teachers and administration will gain popularity to mitigate security threats, not to mention that it satisfies many security standards and compliance regulations.
Solutions
StrikeForce Technologies exists in a competitive industry flooded by many different types of cybersecurity technology offerings. We have many distinguishing factors which set us apart from our competition.
Owning the patents relating to our cybersecurity technologies, allows us to better protect your students, staff and administration.
Click on the links below to learn how each of these technologies can help mitigate cyber exposures for your K-12 school or College/University.