Common Cyber Threats Faced by Educational Institutes

Schools, colleges, and universities are becoming increasingly more vulnerable to cyber threats. These institutions manage vast amounts of sensitive data and rely heavily on technology for both educational and administrative functions. As a result, they become prime targets for cybercriminals. 

According to the UK government's Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024 (education institution annex), 52% of primary schools and 71% of secondary schools identified a cybersecurity breach or attack in the past year. The findings stated that education institutions are more likely to identify breaches than the average UK business.\ Therefore, understanding the types of cyber threats affected schools is crucial for implementing effective security measures. This blog explores six common cyber threats faced by educational institutes and provides examples of how they have impacted educational establishments in the UK.

1. Phishing Attacks

Phishing is a form of social engineering where attackers trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or personal data, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity. It remains the most prevalent form of cyber threat, with 92% of primary schools and 89% of secondary schools reporting phishing attacks, according to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024.

These attacks often come in the form of emails that appear to be from legitimate sources like administrators, teachers, or even trusted external partners. Once the attacker gains access, they can exploit the information for financial gain, identity theft, or further cyber attacks. 

Example of a phishing attack

In 2019, Newcastle's Royal Grammar School, was targeted in a sophisticated cyber attack where attackers gained access to parents' email addresses. The attackers then sent fraudulent emails from school accounts offering a 25% discount on fees if payment was made quickly via Bitcoin cryptocurrency. 

Impact of phishing attacks:

- Compromised student and staff data.

- Unauthorized access to school networks and systems.

- Account takeovers

- Financial losses

- Identity theft

- Reputational damage

2. Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Schools are particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks because they often have limited cybersecurity resources.

Attackers know that schools cannot afford prolonged downtime, making them more likely to pay the ransom to quickly restore access to their data. 

Example of Ransomware Attack

In June 2024, The Billericay School, located in Essex, faced a severe ransomware attack that resulted in the closure of the school. The incident was declared a critical situation as all of the school's IT systems were compromised and rendered inaccessible due to complex encryption.

Impact of ransomware:

- Disruption of educational activities

- Data loss

- Financial strain from paying the ransom or recovering data

- Potential loss of sensitive information

- Reputational damage

3. Data Breaches

Schools store a wealth of sensitive information, including student records, staff details, and financial data, making them prime targets for data breaches. 

Data breaches involve unauthorized access to confidential data and can occur due to weak security protocols, human error, or targeted attacks like phishing.

The term "data breach" is often used interchangeably with "cyberattack." However, not all cyberattacks result in data breaches. 

A data breach involves unauthorized access to and disclosure of sensitive information, such as student records or staff details, without the organization's permission. 

A cyber attack, on the other hand, is any malicious attempt to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or devices. 

While a data breach specifically focuses on the exposure of information, a cyber attack can include a range of harmful activities like spreading malware, launching ransomware, or executing denial-of-service attacks.

Example of data breaches

Mossbourne Federation in Hackney, London, and Pates Grammar School both suffered data breaches that exposed extensive personal and sensitive information. Mossbourne Federation's breach compromised personal information of students and staff. Meanwhile, documents stolen from Pates Grammar School included passport scans dating and contractual offers to staff, highlighting vulnerabilities in data protection practices.

Impact of data breaches:

- Exposure of personal information of students and staff.

- Legal consequences and regulatory fines.

- Loss of trust from the school community.

- Identity theft

4. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

DDoS attacks are malicious attempts to overwhelm a network, service, or website by flooding it with an enormous amount of traffic, effectively making it inaccessible to legitimate users. In recent years, educational organizations have become more susceptible to these attacks, which can severely disrupt critical operations such as online learning platforms and administrative services. 

These incidents not only hinder access to educational resources but also pose significant challenges in maintaining the continuity of teaching and administrative functions, impacting both students and staff alike. 

Example of DDoS attack

For instance, several major UK higher education institutions, including the University of Cambridge, experienced a coordinated distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack targeting the Janet Network. 

The Janet Network, vital for exchanging extensive research data among scholars, suffered from segments being rendered inaccessible during the incident, affecting several UK universities reliant on this high-speed data-sharing platform.

This attack caused widespread disruptions across numerous colleges, impacting students' access to critical IT services like CamSIS and Moodle. 

Impact on Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks 

- Interruption of online classes and remote learning tools.

- Inaccessibility of school websites and online portals.

- Frustration and decreased productivity among students and staff.

5. Insider Threats

Insider threats stem from individuals within the organization, such as staff, students, or contractors, who misuse their access to school systems for malicious purposes. These threats can be intentional, such as data theft, or unintentional, like inadvertently compromising security through negligence. 

According to a report by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and London Grid for Learning (LGfL), which polled over 430 schools across the UK, students were flagged as significant contributors to cyber threats in schools. 

The survey revealed that over a fifth (21%) of schools reported unauthorized use of computers, networks, or servers by pupils, twice the number (11%) who reported similar abuse by staff members. 

This alarming trend poses serious risks, including potential GDPR non-compliance, as highlighted by the NCSC.

Impact on Schools:

- Unauthorized access to sensitive information.

- Sabotage of IT systems and data.

- Erosion of trust within the school community.

6. Unpatched Software Vulnerabilities

Software vulnerabilities are flaws or weaknesses in software that can be exploited by cyber attackers. Schools often use a variety of software applications for administration, learning management, and communication. If these applications are not regularly updated and patched, they can become entry points for cyber attacks. 

These unpatched vulnerabilities increase the risk of malware infections, potential exploitation of outdated software, and overall difficulty in maintaining a secure IT environment.

Impact on Schools:

- Increased risk of malware infections.

- Potential exploitation of outdated software.

- Difficulty in maintaining a secure IT environment.

Conclusion

As schools continue to embrace digital tools and online platforms, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. By being aware of common cyber threats, educational institutions can better prepare and protect themselves. 

Implementing comprehensive cybersecurity policies, conducting regular training for staff and students, and investing in advanced security technologies are essential steps in safeguarding the digital future of education.