The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings
  • Dealing With Speech Issues: Everything You Need to Know

  • Indoor and Outdoor Recess Games That Your Students Should Be Playing

  • Trends The EdTech Industry Should Pay Attention To

  • 4 Ways To Build Classroom Community During Distance Learning

  • Combating Reading Issues In Children: Everything You Need to Know

  • Myths About the SAT and ACT

  • How AI Helps Student Outcomes

  • Choosing A Reading Program: Everything You Need to Know

  • Reading Intervention Strategies That Work

  • Calculating Reading Comprehension Scores: Everything You Need to Know

Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechHigher Education EdTech
Home›Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech›How Schools Can Protect Themselves Against Cyber Attacks

How Schools Can Protect Themselves Against Cyber Attacks

By Matthew Lynch
May 2, 2018
2
Spread the love

Schools seem to be one of the hottest targets for cyber attacks in today’s modern age. In fact, schools are the third most breached sector, making up a full ten percent of all information breaches according to a 2016 survey from Symantec. Both teachers and students use the computer systems heavily, placing a large amount of sensitive data out there for hackers. While some hacks might not be monumental, others can have serious consequences when the cyber attack leads to document falsification or vandalism.

All of the schools who use technology daily need to come up with a strategy to implement better cybersecurity. In order to limit the number of attacks on the network, administrators need to start making radical changes that limit the amount of access an individual may have. Here are a few of the top suggestions for how schools can start building better cybersecurity today.

Stop using cloud-based services.

Many schools could limit the number of cyber attacks they expose themselves to by eliminating their use of cloud services. Storing documents on the internet is a risky endeavor that could result in the compromised security of those pages. Instead, teachers and students can use local drives such as a flash drive or an SD card. This makes it impossible for others to get their hands on sensitive documents unless they can steal the device where you saved it.

Run more security audits.

One of the easiest and best ways to keep your cyber security tight is to run frequent security audits. This allows everyone to see areas where your safety is falling short well in advance of a potential attack. Administrators should be ordering these audits regularly to ensure that their security systems and practices are up to date. After all, technology changes very rapidly. The security profile at your school might need to receive regular updates in order to keep up with the demands.

Encourage a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policy.

It might sound like you’re losing control if teachers and students are bringing their own devices into the school building. However, this policy actually creates a much better safety net for protecting the sensitive data that administrators send back and forth throughout the day. The devices that are brought onto the school campus can sign into the guest network, while a teacher’s desktop computer plugs into the administrative network. By keeping most people off the administrative network, you are opening it up for fewer instances where the most sensitive data could be compromised.

Establishing cybersecurity is essential to the safety of the information your students and teachers put onto the servers for your school. Much of this data is highly sensitive, so you won’t want it to fall into the wrong hands. Cyber attacks are becoming more and more prominent in the school setting, so it’s time to start making changes that will lead us to better cybersecurity. Consider how you could begin implementing some of these policies in your schools today.

 

 

Previous Article

How Should We Prepare STEM Teachers?

Next Article

How to Make Your University Network Less ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechHigher Education EdTech

    Why Digitizing Traditional Teaching Isn’t Innovation

    November 29, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    How Edtech Companies Can Make It through the Product Negotiation Phase

    January 4, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    How Schools Can Use Edtech to Combat Truancy

    April 5, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    Apps and Tools That Will Help You Develop an Individualized Service Plan (ISP)

    June 11, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Edtech ResearchHigher Education EdTech

    As K Thru 12 VR Use Grows, Researchers Consider Its Impact On Children

    January 22, 2020
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechPreK-12Product Reviews

    Product Review of Beyond Cats! Kindergarten Math

    April 19, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch

2 comments

  1. Doug Levin 2 May, 2018 at 06:59 Reply

    Thanks for the coverage of this important issue. Based on data assembled about school cybersecurity incidents since 2016 on the K-12 Cyber Incident Map, I fear that these ideas – while directionally helpful – are not quite on target. Given typical school IT capacity, cloud services may be more secure than locally stored files and applications. On the flip side, school-managed devices are likely easier to secure than a BYOD environment. Finally, while I concur that security audits can be useful, the majority of incidents experienced by schools in recent years could have been avoided by implementing basic cyber hygiene practices, such as keeping systems up-to-date and patched, implementing good password/user authentication policies, and by user training. There is no need for schools to wait for a formal security audit to shore up these cost-conscious and demonstrably effective security practices today.

  2. Chris Blessing 2 May, 2018 at 21:33 Reply

    I could not disagree more with the suggestion to revert from cloud storage to USB and local storage for digital files. USB flash drives and their their predecessors such as CDs and floppy drives are easily lost, stolen or corrupted. They are also a great vector for introducing viruses, trojans and spyware to other devices without touching the network, thus bypassing network security. Google, Microsoft and other cloud services are far better at protecting both users and their digital work than ad-hoc attempts at keeping track of physical storage. Additionally, they offer the ability to seamlessly search, retrieve and share cloud-based files are features that cannot be matched by local, physical storage.

    As for BYOD, how do you imagine that a school is any safer or easier to manage? Simply by confining them to a wireless network while teachers and administrators are tethered to a LAN is no assurance that your network cannot be compromised, and confines teachers to their desktop. Our school is fully and happily BYOD, and that includes teachers and administrators if they choose. Our robust authentication back-end determines which assets (local or remote) can be accessed by whom. BYOD is liberating, but proper management (eg smart firewall, port scanning) can be a tall climb unless you’re okay with BYO devices crawling with rogue software, VPNs and other threats.

    As for locally-hosted applications and locally-hosted data, yes, “security audits”, along with an up-to-date ERP and failover, are essential. Done properly, they are no more at risk from internal network breaches than from external. Anyone not already doing this should be put to pasture.

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Dealing With Speech Issues: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 7, 2023
  • Indoor and Outdoor Recess Games That Your Students Should Be Playing

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 7, 2023
  • Trends The EdTech Industry Should Pay Attention To

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 7, 2023
  • 4 Ways To Build Classroom Community During Distance Learning

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 6, 2023
  • Combating Reading Issues In Children: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 6, 2023
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Where to Find Dyslexia Support for Adults - Case Training Services | Registered Charity #1051587
    on
    August 2, 2022

    11 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Dyslexic Students

    […] recorders Electronic flashcards ...
  • What Types Of Posts Can You Make In Google Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip ...
    on
    July 31, 2022

    How to Integrate Google Classroom with the Power of YouTube

    […] of your posts. ...
  • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip Buz
    on
    July 31, 2022

    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom

    […] Answers to Frequently ...
  • 10 Important YouTube Channels For Teachers - Kiiky Wealth
    on
    July 29, 2022

    10 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers

    […] Thetechedvocate.org – 10 Incredibly ...
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

    Spread the loveIf you want to thrive in the destiny of learning and self, shorten, tailor, and gamify. The bulk of EdTech businesses believes that digitizing conventional learning methods and ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How to Sell Your Edtech Product

    Spread the loveDevelop a profile of the perfect consumer, target clients that meet that description, and plan on a long sales cycle. Selling to schools takes a different sales process ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • Digital LeadershipEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Collegix

    Spread the love This is a comprehensive ERP solution for colleges and universities that provides modular, totally integrated learners services, finance, HR, and advancement. Collegix provides online and offline workarounds ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Discovery Education

    Spread the love Discovery Education is a big player in EdTech. The company has established itself as the leading provider of digital curriculum resources, digital content, and professional development for ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital Equity

    How to Create an Equitable Digital Culture in K–12

    Spread the loveDigital equity is vital in our schools. After all, it can help close the achievement gap. However, there is one prevalent problem concerning digital equity. That is the problem ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech Futures

    The IT Investments Securing the Future of Higher Education

    Spread the loveThe future of higher education still seems uncertain after the massive disruptions of the last two years. Universities and colleges are struggling with budget difficulties amid cybersecurity threats. ...
  • Adaptive LearningAssistive TechnologyEdTech FuturesInstructional TechnologyTeachers

    Will AI Replace Teachers?

    Spread the loveThrough the years, robots have taken over many jobs. First, they replaced horses and wagons and horses and plows, then they started to replace people. A few examples ...
  • EdTech FuturesHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechUncategorized

    The Future of Higher Education Must Avoid Returning to the Past

    Spread the loveColleges and universities can make higher education safer, smarter, and more accessible through automation and collaboration technologies – if they commit to it. Author: John Hulen, Director of ...
  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    IT Trends To Watch As Higher Education Moves Into a New Decade

    Spread the loveEdtech couldn’t have hoped for a better launch into the new decade than the push the industry received from COVID-19. Even the most tech-resistant institutions and individuals have ...
  • EdTech Futures

    4 Emerging EdTech Trends in 2022

    Spread the loveCovid-19 has not only changed education as we know it, but it has forced education technology (EdTech) to up its game. EdTech has been crucial since the start of this ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2023 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.