Cybersecurity refers to the practices and technologies used to protect systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. For the education sector, which handles a vast amount of sensitive student data, intellectual property, and financial records, maintaining robust cybersecurity measures is a necessity.

Cybersecurity in education has become a growing concern due to increased digital learning environments, connected devices, and cloud-based platforms. Despite often facing budget constraints, educational institutions are frequent targets of malicious actors. A weak cybersecurity posture can compromise student privacy, disrupt school operations, and even result in financial losses. For example, the University of Calgary paid a $20,000 ransom to regain access to its systems after a ransomware attack [1], while the Minnesota School District had to shut down for a day due to malware disruptions [2].

This article explores the current threat landscape in education, identifies common cybersecurity challenges, and offers actionable solutions to strengthen cybersecurity for schools, universities, and other education institutions.

Key Cybersecurity Statistics for the Education Sector

To better understand the urgency of cybersecurity in education, here are critical data points ordered by significance:

1. Education was the second most likely sector to have backups successfully compromised during attacks in 2024, at 71% [3].
2. More than 2,600 organizations — including many in the education sector — were affected by the MOVEit hack, with an estimated total cost of around $15 billion. [4]
3. Lower education paid a mean ransom amount of $7.46M, the highest of any sector in 2024. [3]
4. Lower education paid an average of 115% of the initial ask of ransom demands, the second highest of any sector in 2024. [3]
5. The average cost of a data breach in 2023 in the education sector was $3.65M. [4]
6. According to one 2023 report by Sophos, 80% of IT professionals in the education sector reported that their school witnessed a ransomware attack in 2022. [5]
7. The number of malware attacks against higher education institutions rose significantly (26%) in 2022. [6]
8. About 40 million subscribers were impacted by an April 2018 Chegg breach and over 5.1 million .edu email addresses were exposed. [7]
9. The amount of K-12 school districts directly impacted by ransomware attacks more than doubled from 2022 to 2023. [4]
10. Lower education facilities had the highest individual rate of attack of any industry in 2023 at 80%. [3]
11. Only 63% of lower education facilities reported an attack in 2024, down from 80% in 2023. [3]

Common Cybersecurity Risks in the Education Sector

Educational institutions are a lucrative target for cybercriminals. According to the 2023 IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, the education sector was the sixth most attacked industry globally [8]. Let's explore the most common cyber security threats in education institutions.

Phishing Attacks 

Phishing remains the most common form of cyberattack in schools and higher education institutions. Cybercriminals use deceptive emails or messages to trick staff and students into disclosing login credentials or clicking on malicious links. 

Ransomware Attacks 

Ransomware is a significant threat to a secure educational environment. Attackers encrypt critical systems and demand payment to restore access. In 2020, over 1,000 schools in the U.S. were affected by ransomware [9]. These attacks disrupt educational processes, delay exams, and compromise student records.

Data Theft 

Education institutions store sensitive data like student records, financial data, intellectual property, and employee information. Hackers can gain access to this data and sell it on the dark web or use it for identity theft. 

DDoS Attacks 

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks flood a network with traffic to disrupt online services. These attacks can be launched by external attackers or even students, aiming to cancel exams or cause disruptions. 

Espionage and Intellectual Property Theft 

Higher education institutions conducting advanced research are targets for cyber espionage. Nation-state actors may target universities to steal scientific, engineering, or medical research. A report by The Wall Street Journal in 2018 noted increased Chinese cyber espionage targeting U.S. universities. [10]

Insider Threats and Human Error 

A 2019 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found that 45% of incidents in education were due to insiders, either through negligence or malicious intent [11]. Students or staff may intentionally or unintentionally compromise school networks by clicking malicious links, using weak passwords, or misconfiguring systems.

Unsecured Connected Devices 

With the rise of digital learning tools, connected devices in classrooms are growing. However, many lack proper education security measures, making them easy targets. Without regular updates or monitoring, they create backdoors into school networks.

Lack of Cybersecurity Resources 

Budget constraints mean many K-12 and higher education institutions operate with understaffed IT departments. Limited access to cybersecurity resources and training makes it difficult to maintain security hygiene and respond effectively to common cyber incidents.

Inadequate Incident Response Plans 

Many schools lack a documented and tested incident response plan. When a cyber incident occurs, response times are delayed, which causes more damage. Quick response is critical for mitigating cybersecurity risks.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Investing in Cybersecurity for the Educational Sector

Educational institutions increasingly face sophisticated cyber threats, making upfront investment in cybersecurity essential to avoid costly consequences. By dedicating resources to robust security measures early on, schools, colleges, and universities can save millions in potential breach costs, legal penalties, reputational damage, and operational downtime.

Potential Costs of Cyber Incidents in Education

Data breaches in the education sector can lead to significant financial losses. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average breach cost for education organizations reached approximately $3.65 million [12]. These costs include expenses for breach containment, notification, legal fees, regulatory fines, and loss of operational capacity due to system downtime.

Return on Investment (ROI) from Cybersecurity Spending

Investing in cybersecurity reduces breach risks and their associated costs dramatically. The Ponemon Institute highlights that organizations with mature cybersecurity programs in place can lower their breach costs by over $1.5 million on average [13]. This means an investment in prevention—such as employee training, network monitoring, and incident response planning—can yield returns many times the initial expense.

Legal and Regulatory Cost Avoidance

Educational institutions must comply with regulations like FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and other data privacy laws. Failure to comply can result in costly fines and legal penalties. Proactive cybersecurity investments help ensure compliance, minimizing the risk of regulatory actions that could otherwise cost institutions millions.

Intangible Benefits of Cybersecurity Investments

Cybersecurity safeguards the trust and reputation educational institutions rely on. Data breaches often lead to negative publicity, loss of student and parent confidence, and potential drops in enrollment. Avoiding these damages preserves the institution’s brand and long-term viability.

Simple ROI Comparison Example

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Key Data Security Regulations for Educational Institutions

One of the biggest challenges for educational institutions is navigating the complex web of cybersecurity requirements. Because schools, colleges, and universities handle a wide range of sensitive data, including student records, health information, and financial transactions. They often fall under multiple regulatory regimes designed for the healthcare, finance, and public sectors.

Here is a breakdown of the most critical laws and standards educational organizations in the U.S. and Europe must comply with, grouped by data type.

U.S. Education-Specific Data Protection Laws

• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): A federal law protecting the privacy of student education records. Applies to all institutions that receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Requires written consent for the disclosure of personally identifiable information.
• ‍Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA): Requires online services targeting children under 13 to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information.‍
• Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA): Requires institutions of higher education to develop plans to secure student data and respond to data breaches.‍
• Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA): Ensures that schools receiving federal funding obtain parental consent before collecting sensitive student information.

European Union Regulations

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Applies to any institution that handles data on EU citizens, including U.S.-based schools with international programs. Requires clear consent for data use, breach reporting, and the right to data erasure.
• Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2): A directive enhancing cybersecurity requirements for essential services, including public and private educational institutions that manage critical data.

Healthcare Data Protection in Education

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): Applies to educational institutions with on-campus clinics or that handle students' health records. Regulates the storage, access, and transmission of health data.
• Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH): Supports the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) in educational medical facilities.

Financial Data Compliance Standards

• Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA): Applies to institutions handling financial aid and tuition payments. The Safeguards Rule requires developing a written information security plan.
• Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS): Applies to any institution accepting credit card payments for tuition, fees, or services.

Research Data Security Regulations

• Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA): Requires federal agencies and their partners, including some research universities, to secure information systems.
• NIST SP 800-171: Applies to institutions conducting government-funded research involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Requires strict access control, system monitoring, and data encryption protocols.

Why These Standards Matter

Compliance with these regulations isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It is about protecting students’ most sensitive data from growing cybersecurity threats. As regulations continue to evolve, institutions must invest in security tools, risk assessments, and training to stay compliant and resilient.

Need Help with Compliance?

BD Emerson provides compliance consulting services tailored to the education sector. Our team of cybersecurity experts can help your institution assess risk, align with relevant regulations, and implement cost-effective solutions to achieve and maintain full compliance.

Have questions? Contact us to speak with our compliance experts.

Cybersecurity Best Practices for Educational Institutions

Educational institutions face unique cybersecurity challenges due to the diverse types of sensitive data they handle and their complex, often decentralized IT environments. To build a resilient cybersecurity posture, schools, colleges, and universities must adopt a proactive, multi-layered approach that combines technology, policies, and ongoing training. Below are essential best practices to help educational organizations strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.

Continuous Monitoring and Vulnerability Management

Constant network and system monitoring are critical to detect unusual activities and potential breaches before they escalate. Institutions should implement Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools that provide real-time alerts on suspicious behavior or malware infections. Regular vulnerability scanning and prompt patch management are equally important. Keeping all software, especially legacy systems, up to date helps close security gaps. Where patching is not possible, compensatory controls such as network segmentation or application whitelisting should be employed.

Incident Response Planning and Training

Having a detailed, regularly updated incident response plan is vital to mitigate the impact of cyberattacks. Educational organizations should designate an incident response team responsible for swift containment, investigation, and recovery. Running simulations and tabletop exercises ensures staff are prepared to respond effectively during an actual cyber incident. Clear communication plans, including coordination with law enforcement and cybersecurity authorities, should be part of the response strategy.

Access Controls and Network Segmentation

Limiting access is fundamental to minimizing risk. Schools should enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring users only have access to the data and systems necessary for their roles. Combining physical controls, like secure server rooms and hardware disposal procedures, with logical access controls such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometric verification, or smart cards increases security. Network segmentation further restricts lateral movement by separating administrative systems, student learning environments, and guest networks.

Security Awareness and Role-Based Training

Human error remains one of the biggest vulnerabilities. Comprehensive security awareness programs tailored to different user roles: faculty, administrators, students, and IT staff can significantly reduce cyber risks. Training should focus on identifying phishing emails, practicing good password hygiene, and recognizing social engineering attempts. Regular phishing simulation campaigns reinforce awareness and track improvements.

Read also: Why is Cyber Security Awareness Training Important for Employees?

Data Backup, Recovery, and Classification

Regular, secure backups are essential to protect against data loss due to ransomware or system failures. Institutions should adopt a 3-2-1 backup strategy, keeping at least three copies of data, on two different media types, with one offsite or in the cloud. Backup restoration procedures must be tested regularly to ensure rapid recovery. Additionally, classifying data by sensitivity allows organizations to apply appropriate controls, such as encryption and access restrictions, protecting the most critical information effectively.

Third-Party Vendor Risk Management

Educational institutions often rely on third-party services, including learning management systems and cloud providers. It is essential to thoroughly vet vendors for their cybersecurity posture and compliance with laws such as FERPA, COPPA, and GDPR. Contracts should include cybersecurity and data privacy clauses, with ongoing monitoring to ensure vendors maintain their security standards.

Adoption of Cybersecurity Frameworks and Zero Trust

Implementing established frameworks like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework or CIS Controls helps standardize and prioritize proactive measures across departments. The Zero Trust security model, which assumes no implicit trust inside or outside the network perimeter, is particularly effective in educational environments where users and devices are highly diverse and mobile.

Governance, Compliance, and Resource Allocation

Creating a dedicated cybersecurity leadership team or assigning clear IT security roles ensures accountability. Cybersecurity should be treated as a shared responsibility across all departments. Regular audits and compliance assessments help track progress and identify gaps. Securing a dedicated budget for cybersecurity investments, including software licensing, staff training, and external audits is important. Institutions should also explore government grants or partnerships that can support these efforts.

Securing Remote and Hybrid Learning Environments

With the rise of remote and hybrid education models, securing online learning platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Classroom is essential. Institutions must configure these tools securely, enforce strong authentication, monitor for unauthorized access, and implement session timeouts to reduce vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity Insurance and Risk Mitigation

Given the rising costs of cyber incidents, investing in cybersecurity insurance can provide financial protection and support in the event of a breach. Insurance policies should be evaluated carefully to understand coverage limits and exclusions relevant to educational institutions.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity in schools, universities and other educational institutions is no longer optional, it is a critical necessity. From protecting student data and intellectual property to ensuring school operations continue unhindered, cybersecurity for schools, colleges, and universities must be prioritized. With increasing threats, limited resources, and expanding digital environments, proactive cybersecurity measures can safeguard educational processes and ensure student privacy.

How BD Emerson Can Help: Service Overview

BD Emerson offers specialized cybersecurity consulting services designed to address the unique challenges faced by educational institutions. Our unique approach helps schools, colleges, and universities strengthen their security posture, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect sensitive student and staff data.

Key Services for the Educational Sector:

• Cybersecurity Compliance Audit: Ensure your institution meets all relevant regulations such as FERPA, GDPR, and other privacy laws, reducing legal risk and avoiding costly penalties.
• Real-time Security Monitoring: Continuous surveillance of your IT infrastructure to detect and respond to threats before they escalate, minimizing downtime and data loss.
• Web Application Penetration Testing: Identify vulnerabilities in your online platforms, such as student portals or learning management systems, before attackers exploit them.
• vCISO Services (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer): Gain expert strategic leadership to guide your cybersecurity strategy without the full-time cost of an internal executive.
• Cyber Incident Response Planning: Develop and implement plans to quickly detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents, minimizing operational disruption.
• Third Party Risk Management (TPRM): Assess and manage risks associated with vendors, software providers, and contractors that interact with your institution’s data.
• Privacy Consulting Services: Tailored advice on protecting student and employee data privacy, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and policies.
• ISO 27001 Consulting: Guidance to implement and maintain an internationally recognized Information Security Management System (ISMS), enhancing overall security maturity.
• Cloud Security: Protect data and applications hosted on cloud platforms commonly used in educational settings, ensuring safe access and compliance.
• Cyber Security Transformation: End-to-end support in building and evolving your cybersecurity framework to meet emerging digital threats and institutional growth.
• Staff Training & Awareness Programs: Educate faculty and staff on cybersecurity best practices to reduce risks from phishing, social engineering, and insider threats.

Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Compliance Today

To protect your institution from cyber threats, explore our professional cybersecurity compliance and audit services. We help schools, universities, and businesses in the education sector enhance their cybersecurity posture and secure sensitive data against potential attacks.

For expert support and tailored solutions, contact us today!

References:

1. CBC News. (2016, June 21). University of Calgary hit by ransomware cyberattack. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/university-calgary-ransomware-cyberattack-1.3620979
2. The Record. Minneapolis Public Schools still investigating what caused encryption event. https://therecord.media/minneapolis-public-schools-still-investigating-what-caused-encryption-event
3. Sophos. The State of Ransomware 2024. https://www.sophos.com/en-us/content/state-of-ransomware
4. Emsisoft. The State of Ransomware in the U.S.: Report and Statistics 2023. https://www.emsisoft.com/en/blog/44987/the-state-of-ransomware-in-the-u-s-report-and-statistics-2023/
5. Sophos. The State of Ransomware in Education 2023: https://assets.sophos.com/X24WTUEQ/at/j74v496cfwh4qsvgqhs4pmw/sophos-state-of-ransomware-education-2023-wp.pdf
6. SonicWall. 2023 Cyber Threat Report. https://www.sonicwall.com/2023-cyber-threat-report/
7. BlueVoyant. (2021). Cybersecurity in Higher Education. https://www.bluevoyant.com/resources/cybersecurity-in-higher-education
8. IBM Security X-Force. (2023). Threat Intelligence Index 2023. https://secure-iss.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IBM-Security-X-Force-Threat-Intelligence-Index-2023.pdf
9. Cox, J. (2020). Ransomware Has Disrupted Almost 1,000 Schools in the US This Year. Vice. https://www.vice.com/en/article/ransomware-has-disrupted-almost-1000-schools-in-the-us-this-year
10. Rosenberg, M. (2019). Chinese Hackers Target Universities in Pursuit of Maritime Military Secrets. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinese-hackers-target-universities-in-pursuit-of-maritime-military-secrets-11551781800
11. Verizon 2019 Data Breach Investigations Report
    Verizon Enterprise Solutions. 2019 Data Breach Investigations Report. https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/2019-data-breach-investigations-report.pdf
12. IBM. (2024). Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024. https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach
13. IBM Security. Cost of a Data Breach Report 2022.
    https://www.key4biz.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Cost-of-a-Data-Breach-Full-Report-2022.pdf