While sports teams gear up for the big games, cybercriminals are sharpening their strategies for this year. Just like in a championship, the fight against hackers requires strategy, teamwork, and preparation.
Is your school ready to face the biggest cybersecurity threats this year? Here’s what experts predict for 2025 and how you can prepare your institution to stay ahead.
This Year’s Cybersecurity MVPs (Most Vicious Perpetrators)
- AI-Powered Phishing Tactics
Cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to create highly personalized emails that can fool even the most careful staff. These messages often look real, mimicking trusted colleagues or vendors.
Your Defense:
- Train your staff to recognize phishing attempts.
- Use email filtering tools to detect and block suspicious messages.
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect accounts, even if passwords are compromised.
- Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware remains one of the biggest threats to schools. Hackers not only encrypt files but also threaten to leak sensitive information unless a ransom is paid.
Your Defense:
- Regularly back up your data and store it securely off-site.
- Keep your systems and software updated with the latest patches.
- Use advanced endpoint protection to detect and block ransomware attacks.
- Supply Chain Attacks
Hackers are targeting schools to infiltrate larger networks, such as those of education technology providers. By breaching your network, they can access partners and expand their reach.
Your Defense:
- Vet your vendors and ensure they follow strict cybersecurity practices.
- Segment your network to limit access points.
- Use a zero-trust security model to verify users and devices at every step.
- Deepfake Scams
Deepfake technology is being used to impersonate school leaders or staff, tricking employees into transferring funds or sharing sensitive information.
Your Defense:
- Verify unusual requests through a second method, like a direct phone call.
- Educate your team about the risks of deepfake scams.
- Limit the amount of personal information shared online, which could be used to create convincing fakes.
- IoT (Internet of Things) Weak Points
Smart devices like cameras, printers, and thermostats are often overlooked in cybersecurity, making them easy targets for hackers.
Your Defense:
- Change default passwords on all IoT devices.
- Update device firmware regularly.
- Isolate IoT devices on a separate network to reduce exposure.
Your Game Plan for 2025
Protecting your school from hackers takes more than good practices—it requires a solid strategy.
Here’s how to win this year:
- Build your team: Partner with an IT provider specialized in K-12 to monitor and protect your systems proactively.
- Study the playbook: Stay informed about emerging threats and how to address them.
- Run practice drills: Test your backups regularly and conduct cybersecurity training with your staff.
Discover How We Can Help Protect Your School
Are you concerned about the security of your school’s network and data? Schedule a Discovery Call with our team. During this call, we’ll assess your needs, share specific recommendations, and show you how we can help keep your school safe from the most common threats.
Click here to schedule your FREE Discovery Call.
Don’t let cybercriminals disrupt learning at your school. With the right team and strategy, you can protect your school community and focus on what matters most: your students’ success.
