In December 2024, a significant cybersecurity breach impacted at least 10 schools in Nassau County, New York, all of which used PowerSchool software, a cloud-based platform for managing student information. This breach exposed sensitive student data, including Social Security numbers and medical records, raising serious concerns about student and teacher information security.
This incident follows a similar breach earlier in the year when the New York City Department of Education dealt with the hacking of Skedual, a software system developed by Illuminate Education. That breach also compromised the personal information of over one million students, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity measures in schools.
Unfortunately, these incidents are part of a broader pattern, with at least 35 cyber-related incidents reported across Long Island schools in 2023.
Did You Know? Human Error is the Number One Cause for A Cybersecurity Breach
68% of all data breaches in 2024 were attributed to human error. Here are some common mistakes people have made that lead to a cybersecurity breach.
Phishing Scams
Employees may unintentionally click on malicious links or download attachments from seemingly legitimate emails, granting attackers access to sensitive information.
Weak Password Practices
Using easily guessable passwords or failing to change default passwords can leave organizational systems vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Neglecting Software Updates
Failing to update software or apply security patches regularly exposes systems to vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
Accidental Data Exposure
Employees may accidentally send sensitive information to the wrong recipient or share it on unsecured networks or platforms.
So What Can Schools and Other Organizations Do?
The number one thing you can do to make an immediate impact on preventing cybersecurity breaches is through comprehensive employee training. You must take the time to give your employees the tools they need to avoid any infiltrators. Furthermore, a response and recovery plan must be in place if a breach occurs.
Let’s Take it A Step Further
These measures are essential for safeguarding schools and organizations against a cybersecurity breach. However, hiring an external cybersecurity company like TCI Technologies to manage your risk assessment and prevention efforts can provide the highest level of protection and offer several advantages:
- Expertise – External firms stay up-to-date on the latest vulnerabilities and risks and how to defend against them. They also have in-depth knowledge of the best software solutions.
- Cost-Effectiveness – Hiring external firms can be more economical and realistic than maintaining a full-time, in-house cybersecurity team.
- Constant Support – These firms offer 24/7 network monitoring and management and customer support to address any questions or concerns.
- Incident Response – They can quickly respond to incidents, minimizing downtime and financial losses.
- Employee Training – Many providers offer training programs to enhance cybersecurity awareness and protocols to follow.
Threats Are Not Going Away
Every industry, from education to manufacturing to finance, is at constant risk of a cybersecurity breach. Investing in employee training and hiring an outside cybersecurity company can provide comprehensive protection tailored to your organization’s unique needs and threats.