Like big businesses, schools gather a lot of data. Unlike big businesses, they don’t have many IT and security resources to protect that information. Schools collect names and birth dates, social security numbers, discipline records and health records. With this data, thieves can create fake online identities, or sell the students’ information and identities.
Cyber criminals’ increased interest in attacking education systems imperils students’ financial futures and privacy, and gives parents a reason to question whether schools are up to the task of protecting their kids’ personal data.
In the three weeks since “Tracking: EDU” officially launched, a growing number of news outlets, associations, and organizations have highlighted the findings and significance of the work. Yet, what matters most is that SEAs, LEAs, and schools take what steps they may need in order to improve their website security and privacy practices.
And, no matter your role or interest in school technology issues, we all have a stake in that outcome.
The FBI (Cyber Division) and the Department of Education’s Office of the Inspector General issued a warning about cyber-extortion schemes focused on public schools.
According to a new study released today by EdTech Strategies, “Tracking: EDU,” state and local education agency websites were found to lack important security and privacy protections for students, families, and educators.
When you are away, do you know what your computer is doing?
When schools rely on technology for teaching, learning, and school operations, the impact of a cybersecurity incident can be significant.
These are new threats facing schools. They are harming individuals. They are disrupting school schedules – and class time – and they are costing schools and taxpayers a lot of money. We need an effective and comprehensive response.
As schools become more connected, the risks of hacking and data theft continue to grow.
