SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

On the Frontlines: How Teachers Can Help Defend Against Ransomware

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, March/April 2021 Issue

By Adam Stone

Mobile County School District in Alabama. Houston County Board of Education in Georgia. Guthrie Public Schools in Oklahoma. What do they all have in common?

They are among the latest K–12 organizations to be hit by ransomware attacks, according to the most recent Armor Threat Intelligence Briefing. The report found that over 500 K–12 schools in the U.S. have potentially been impacted by ransomware attacks since January 2019.

The pace of such attacks has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the rapid shift to remote learning has opened up new vulnerabilities. The FBI and the U.S. Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency have warned K–12 schools to be on guard.

In August and September of last year, 57 percent of ransomware incidents involved K–12 schools, compared to 28 percent of all reported ransomware incidents from January through July, the agencies note. “Cyber actors likely view schools as targets of opportunity, and these types of attacks are expected to continue through the 2020/2021 academic year,” the agencies warn.

In a ransomware attack, malicious software is inserted into a system, encrypting all data and rendering the system effectively inaccessible. Attackers then demand a ransom for the key to decrypt the data.

The IT shop typically is responsible for defending against such attacks. But with K–12 schools increasingly being targeted, there are steps classroom teachers can take to safeguard systems and help their schools to avoid falling prey to such incursions.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Adam Stone is a seasoned journalist with 20+ years’ experience. He covers education, technology, government, and the military, along with diverse other topics.

Education News

Common Sense Media Launches New Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum

Revamped curriculum features lessons on online safety, building healthy mindsets, managing screen time, AI literacy, and more.

The Secret to Thriving Schools? Parents Who Feel Safe and Heard

To create a culture of safety and help parents feel confident sending their children to school, school leaders must communicate with families about the safety measures that are in place.

New Book from NYC Science Teacher Strives to Reimagine Education in Urban Classrooms

In "Learning Environment," award-winning New York City science teacher Dr. Fox transforms traditional instruction into immersive, justice-driven learning.

Turning Pages, Turning Up: Tackling Absenteeism Through Reading Culture

Across the nation, educators are facing a growing crisis of chronic absenteeism. And while interventions often focus on remediation or outreach, one Title I school in Kentucky tried a different solution: running school-wide reading challenges.

Join Our Newsletter

Join now for a chance to win 1 of 2 $25 Indigo e-gift cards this month!

Adam Stone
Adam Stone
Adam Stone is a seasoned journalist with 20+ years’ experience. He covers education, technology, government, and the military, along with diverse other topics.

Advertisement

Read More

3 Places to Buy Sensory Toys Online for Special Needs Students

Explore sensory toys that support focus, calming, and skill-building for students with special needs—plus where to find them online.

Ditch the Desk and Embrace the Flex

I began the school year in a classroom with eighteen standard desks. Today, I have none. This isn’t a lament about budgetary constraints or overcrowded classrooms; it’s a deliberate choice.

Common Sense Media Launches New Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum

Revamped curriculum features lessons on online safety, building healthy mindsets, managing screen time, AI literacy, and more.

The Secret to Thriving Schools? Parents Who Feel Safe and Heard

To create a culture of safety and help parents feel confident sending their children to school, school leaders must communicate with families about the safety measures that are in place.

New Book from NYC Science Teacher Strives to Reimagine Education in Urban Classrooms

In "Learning Environment," award-winning New York City science teacher Dr. Fox transforms traditional instruction into immersive, justice-driven learning.

Back-to-School Must-Haves: Transform Your Classroom with These Indispensable Items

With the right tools and products at your side, you can turn the chaotic transition from summer break back to school into a smooth ride.
ruleta de retos para adolescentes | tragamonedas casa de juego | como ganar dinero con adfly 2017 | casinos en linea bono sin deposito | casino lincoln | 3reyes.casino https //3reyes.casino | casinos bonos bienvenida gratis sin depósito en méxico 2022 | ganar dinero manualidades con reciclaje para vender | dual play ruleta live | fiesta casino | casino los fresnos | royal casino | terminal casino de la selva cuernavaca horarios al aeropuerto | paradise casino monterrey | slot mexico | the orleans hotel & casino | casino el consuelo | miami casino online | online casino games online | como ganar dinero en nice | calientesports mx liga mx | juegos tragamonedas gratis | online casino usa | tematica casino | paginas para ganar dinero trabajando por internet | san jose casino | casino monarca | ruby slots | ganar dinero por internet en cuarentena | casino agua caliente tijuana mexico | como elaborar una ruleta interactiva | slotomania facebook | free vegas slots | online casino real money | casino online dinero real sin deposito | goblins cave slot | ruleta aleatoria casino | epiphone casino john lennon | simulacion de ruleta electronica | futbol caliente | strendus deportes | casinos para fiestas | cuantos números hay en la ruleta | best casino online canada | sportium sucursales | sportiumbet casino | controles de maquinitas | como ganar dinero compartiendo videos en facebook | maquinas tragaperras gratis | casino arenia mexicali |