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

Reading Engagement Insights Added to Beanstack’s AI-Powered Benny

Beanstack expands its responsible use of AI to measure students’ positive experience with reading.

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

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

Reading Engagement Insights Added to Beanstack’s AI-Powered Benny

Beanstack expands its responsible use of AI to measure students’ positive experience with reading.

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

Guardians of the Coast: Building Kids’ Confidence Through Art

I was recently involved with an art exhibition in the Thanet District of Kent, England, that helped students see themselves as artists, advocates, and changemakers.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

The Power of Music and Melody: Using Songs to Engage Young Learners

By harnessing the power of music, teachers can create a lively and dynamic atmosphere that also improves concentration, focus, and retention.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.
slots lv | kieu nu viet net | online casino deutschland legal | casino hồ tràm có cho người việt vào không | captain jack casino download | tỷ lệ kèo bkth | lịch đá bóng aff cup 2021 | casino x отзывы | phủ nano kính | chăm sóc xe hơi | sam loc bigkool | hack slot 2024 | dự đoán xổ số quảng ngãi wap | free casino bonus | kq100 | mgm casino | big jackpot slots | kí tự đặc biệt trong liên quân | đá gà trực tiếp casino 999 | pcf casino | lich world cup 2021 | slot 777 | hoá ra em rất yêu anh tập 20 | vnrom | yêu nhầm chị dâu tập 29 | logan mienbac | 2so cuối giải đặc biệt | insufficient attunement slots dark souls 3 | 12bet slot | slot club 777 | m88 sảnh casino | kubet casino | du doan lodephomnay | an lạc phùng khoang | online casino games for money | nettruyen full | fallout new vegas casinos | lucky angler slot | y8 2 người chơi | xsmncnht | slot antenna | yêu nhầm chị dâu tập 29 | hanoi casino | vnrom | gai goi net | used slot machines for sale | slot là j | centurion slot game | mac casino online | gren | rạp xiếc tiếng anh | trò chơi casino trực tuyến | xo so mien bac 8888 |