Online Cyber Security Course for schools
The importance of cyber security training for staff cannot be overstated. In today’s digital age, small schools are just as vulnerable to cyber attacks as larger schools and school districts, yet often lack the resources and expertise to adequately protect themselves. This makes them an attractive target for hackers, who can exploit their vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive information and disrupt their operations.
Schools are vulnerable to Cyber Attacks
One of the key reasons why schools are vulnerable to cyber attacks is that they often lack the resources to invest in robust cyber security measures. This can include implementing strong passwords, regularly updating software and devices, and educating staff on how to stay safe online. Without these measures, schools are at greater risk of falling victim to attacks such as phishing scams or malware infections.
In addition to the technical measures, it is also important for schools to have a clear plan in place for responding to a cyber attack. This should include identifying the key people who will be responsible for managing the response, as well as providing staff with regular training on how to identify and report potential threats.
Cyber Security Awareness Training can help
To protect against these risks, it is essential for schools to provide their staff with regular training on cyber security. This can include providing access to online courses or workshops that cover topics such as strong password management, the risks of using public Wi-Fi, and how to recognise and avoid phishing scams.
Cyber attacks in the news
There have been several cyber attacks on schools reported in the news in recent years. Here are a few examples:
- Fairfax County Public Schools: In September 2020, one of the largest school districts in the United States, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) in Virginia, was hit by a ransomware attack. The attackers demanded a $500,000 ransom to restore the district’s files and systems.
- Baltimore County Public Schools: In November 2020, Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) in Maryland was hit by a ransomware attack that forced the district to cancel online classes for several days. The attackers demanded a $6 million ransom to restore the district’s systems.
- University of California, San Francisco: In June 2020, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) paid a $1.14 million ransom to restore access to data that was encrypted during a ransomware attack. The attackers targeted a server at the UCSF School of Medicine.
- Hartford Public Schools: In March 2021, the Hartford Public Schools district in Connecticut was hit by a ransomware attack that disrupted online learning for several days. The attackers demanded a $10,000 ransom to restore the district’s systems.
These are just a few examples of cyber attacks on schools in the news. Unfortunately, such attacks are becoming increasingly common and can have serious consequences for students, staff, and the educational process.
Time to book your training
We’re on a mission to deliver engaging training experiences that are both accessible and effective in minimising the opportunity for data security breaches.
When you invest in The Ark HQ™ and our Online Cyber Security Course for schools, you will realise your investment through increased awareness, demonstrable compliance and a reduction in privacy and cybersecurity-related incidents.
