Cybersecurity Awareness for Education
1. Student Data Protection
- Implement strict controls for Personally Identifiable Information (PII) under FERPA regulations
- Secure student information systems (SIS) and learning management systems (LMS)
- Train staff on proper handling of sensitive student records
- Monitor for unauthorized access to special education or health records
- Establish clear data retention policies for student information
2. Research Data Security
- Protect intellectual property and sensitive research data
- Implement export controls for restricted research areas
- Secure high-performance computing clusters
- Train researchers on data classification and protection
- Monitor for foreign interference in research programs
3. Campus Network Security
- Segment networks for administrative vs. student use
- Secure IoT devices in smart classrooms and dorms
- Implement robust guest WiFi access controls
- Monitor for abuse of high-bandwidth academic networks
- Protect campus infrastructure systems (HVAC, access control)
4. EdTech & Digital Learning Security
- Vet all educational apps and online learning platforms
- Secure video conferencing tools for virtual classrooms
- Monitor for inappropriate data collection by edtech vendors
- Implement single sign-on (SSO) for educational resources
- Protect digital testing platforms from cheating schemes
5. Phishing & Social Engineering
- Train staff to recognize financial aid and tuition payment scams
- Educate on fake scholarship and grant opportunities
- Implement simulated phishing exercises for faculty/staff
- Monitor for credential phishing targeting student accounts
- Establish verification procedures for financial transactions
6. K-12 Specific Considerations
- Implement COPPA-compliant protections for young students
- Secure classroom management software
- Monitor for inappropriate content filtering bypass attempts
- Protect student devices (Chromebooks, tablets) from misuse
- Educate parents on school-issued device security
7. Higher Education Challenges
- Secure open academic environments without compromising research
- Protect high-value targets like medical centers and labs
- Manage security for transient student populations
- Monitor for attacks on university financial systems
- Secure alumni donation platforms
8. Distance Learning Security
- Secure home access to educational resources
- Protect against "Zoom bombing" and virtual classroom intrusions
- Implement secure exam proctoring solutions
- Monitor for cheating service data breaches
- Educate students on secure home networking
9. Incident Response Planning
- Develop playbooks for ransomware attacks during exams
- Prepare for gradebook manipulation scenarios
- Establish student/parent notification procedures
- Plan for continuity during system outages
- Coordinate with law enforcement for threat intelligence
10. Community Awareness
- Integrate cybersecurity into digital literacy programs
- Offer student cybersecurity ambassador programs
- Conduct parent workshops on educational technology safety
- Promote secure practices for student organizations
- Develop age-appropriate security training for all grade levels
Note: Tailor this guidance based on your institution type (K-12 vs higher ed), student population, and technology infrastructure. Regular coordination with educational technology providers and education-specific ISACs is recommended.
