Cybersecurity threats against schools are escalating at an alarming rate. In 2024 alone, K12 institutions experienced a 92% increase in ransomware attacks, making them one of the most targeted sectors worldwide. According to UDT’s own proprietary CISO CyberAnalytics Metrics, schools also face a 95-98% probability they will suffer an email phishing attack within the next 12 to 18 months. A successful business email compromise (BEC) and ransomware attacks can lead to consequences like financial loss due to fraud. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in school networks, putting sensitive staff and student data, financial records, and operational systems at risk. 

With EdTech, digital learning tools, cloud-based systems, and remote access becoming integral to education, schools must adopt stronger cybersecurity measures to protect students, teachers, and administrators from the harm of data breaches. Let’s take a moment to explore the biggest cyber threats facing K12 schools in 2025, the best practices for strengthening cybersecurity in educational institutions, and how Managed IT Services can help ease the burden of K12’s unique cybersecurity challenges.

The Biggest Cybersecurity Threats for Schools in 2025

1. Rising Ransomware Attacks on School Networks

One of the most severe threats to K12 schools right now is ransomware—malicious software that encrypts critical files and demands a ransom for decryption. Cybercriminals see schools as easy targets due to limited IT budgets, outdated security protocols, and the high value of student data. In 2024, 36% of ransomware attacks in the education sector targeted K12 schools, causing severe disruptions. 

Impact of Ransomware on Schools: 

• School closures & disruptions: Many schools were forced to halt operations due to ransomware-encrypted systems. 
• Financial losses: Some schools have paid millions in ransom and/or suffered costly recovery expenses. 
• Compromised student & staff data: Attackers stole sensitive personal and academic information. 

2. Phishing Scams Targeting Students & Faculty

Phishing remains one of the most widespread cybersecurity threats. Attackers use deceptive emails, messages, and even QR codes to trick users into opening malicious links or divulging sensitive information. Both students and faculty are prime targets, as they often lack cybersecurity awareness and/or have had little to no cybersecurity education training. 

Common Phishing Tactics in Schools: 

• Fake school emails requesting login credentials. 
• Malicious links or QR codes disguised as homework assignments or updates. 
• Impersonation of IT administrators asking for passwords (keep in mind that AI can now realistically impersonate almost anyone’s voice). 

3. Data Breaches Exposing Student & Staff Information

Schools store massive amounts of personal and academic data, including Social Security numbers, medical records, and disciplinary records. Data breaches and cyber incidents in K12 institutions have increased, leading to identity theft, fraud, and long-term security risks. In a major December 2024 cyberattack on PowerSchool, a leading educational software provider, hackers compromised the personal data of a staggering 62.4 million students. 

Consequences of Data Breaches in Schools: 

• Legal liabilities: Schools must comply with privacy laws like FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, enforced by the U.S. Department of Education). 
• Loss of trust: Parents and students may lose confidence in school security. 
• Financial burden: Schools face hefty fines and costly recovery efforts. 

 

Key Cybersecurity Measures Schools Must Implement 

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for School Networks 

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of authentication before granting access. This can prevent unauthorized logins, even if passwords are stolen. Implementing MFA across school systems can drastically reduce cyberattack risks. 

Best Practices for Implementing MFA: 

• Require MFA for all staff and students accessing school systems. 
• Use a combination of passwords, authentication apps, or biometric verification. 
• Regularly update authentication methods to prevent security gaps. 

 

Regular Cybersecurity Awareness Training for Staff & Students 

One of the biggest vulnerabilities in school security is human error. Schools should conduct regular cybersecurity training sessions to teach staff and students about identifying threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware. 

Topics Covered in Cybersecurity Training: 

• Recognizing phishing emails and scam tactics. 
• Creating strong passwords and using password managers. 
• Safe internet browsing and avoiding suspicious downloads. 

 

Strengthening Endpoint Security for Remote Learning 

With the growth of remote learning, securing devices outside of school premises is crucial. Many cyberattacks exploit unsecured home networks or personal devices used for schoolwork. 

How Schools Can Strengthen Endpoint Security: 

• Require school-issued devices with built-in security. 
• Install endpoint protection software on all student and faculty devices. 
• Implement network segmentation to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. 

 

Investing in Managed IT Services for Cybersecurity 

Given the complexity of modern cyber threats, many schools lack the expertise and resources to maintain strong cybersecurity. Managed IT services can monitor, detect, and respond to threats proactively. 

Benefits of Managed IT Services for Schools: 

• 24/7 threat monitoring and response. 
• Regular system updates and vulnerability assessments. 
• Expert guidance on cybersecurity best practices. 

 

Leveraging IT Solutions for School Cybersecurity 

The Role of Managed IT Services in Preventing Attacks 

Managed IT Services providers help schools stay ahead of cyberthreats by implementing security frameworks, monitoring networks, and responding to incidents in real-time. 

Importance of Data Privacy & Compliance with FERPA 

Ensuring compliance with FERPA and other data privacy laws is critical. Schools must establish strong data encryption policies and limit access to sensitive student records. 

Implementing Cloud Security for Schools 

More schools are transitioning to cloud-based solutions for learning management, grading, and administrative tasks. However, cloud systems need strong security protocols to prevent unauthorized access. 

Cloud Security Best Practices for Schools: 

• Use encrypted cloud storage for student records. 
• Restrict cloud access based on user roles. 
• Enable automatic backups to recover lost data. 

 

Protect Your District from Evolving Cyberthreats 

Cybersecurity in education has not been a “want” for over a decade—it’s long been an essential necessity that should not and cannot be ignored. With evolving AI-generated cyberthreats adding to the persistent threats of ransomware, phishing, and data breaches, schools must take proactive steps to secure their networks, train their staff, and invest in managed IT services. 

By implementing multifactor authentication, endpoint security, and K12 cybersecurity education training, educational institutions, for both private and public schools, can protect student Information and prevent costly cyberattacks. 

Want to strengthen your school’s cybersecurity? UDT has been serving the cybersecurity and technology needs of K12 for decades. We maintain strong partnerships with tech leaders including Microsoft, Apple, Dell, and Intel, allowing us to serve the needs of any IT environment. Contact UDT today for a customized cybersecurity assessment and to learn how we can help your school district’s data remain secure against data breaches while creating a robust IT ecosystem. 

 

K12 Cybersecurity FAQs 

1. Why are schools a major target for cybercriminals?

Schools store sensitive student data and often have weaker or inconsistently managed security compared to other sectors.

2. How can schools prevent ransomware attacks?

By backing up data, training staff, and implementing MFA, schools can reduce the risk of ransomware.

3. What is the best way to train students about cybersecurity?

Regular interactive cybersecurity lessons and real-world phishing simulations can help.

4. How does cloud security help schools?

Secure cloud storage protects student data while allowing remote access for learning.

5. Should schools outsource IT security?

Yes! Managed IT services provide expert monitoring and protection for schools with limited cybersecurity resources.