A new report from KnowBe4 highlights a troubling reality: the education sector is dangerously unprepared for an onslaught of cyberattacks. The report, titled From Primary Schools to Universities: The Global Education Sector is Unprepared for Escalating Cyber Attacks, reveals that schools and universities are prime targets due to various factors. These include sensitive data, outdated cybersecurity systems, limited cybersecurity training, and reliance on third-party vendors. Cyber resilience is lacking.
We’ve previously reported on schools scrambling to secure cyber insurance after breaches, as seen in “What’s the Number of Our Cyber Insurance Broker?”. This new report suggests that schools need more than just insurance—they need real cyber resilience.
Cyberattacks on Schools Surge
Educational institutions are now among the most attacked sectors worldwide. According to the report, schools endure over 2,500 attempted cyberattacks per day. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has labeled them “target rich, cyber poor,” highlighting their high value to hackers and lack of cybersecurity defenses.
A 2024 Data Breach Investigation Report found that education ranked among the top five industries hit by cyber breaches. The numbers are alarming:
- 1,780 security incidents targeted educational institutions in 2024.
- 1,537 of those led to sensitive data disclosures.
- 83% of stolen data contained personal information.
As with other underfunded enterprises, cybercriminals exploit these institutions because they often lack the resources to implement strong cybersecurity defenses. For example, many institutions rely on legacy IT systems, which makes them vulnerable to attacks.
Ransomware and Phishing: The Most Common Threats
The report identifies ransomware and phishing as the most effective attack methods. A Trustwave study in 2023 recorded 352 ransomware incidents in education. Schools are often forced to pay ransoms to recover stolen or locked data.
Phishing attacks remain a significant threat:
- Phishing was the most common way hackers gained access to school networks.
- Email attachments—especially HTML files, PDFs, and executables—were frequently used to distribute malware.
- Fake university job offers and grant applications were commonly used phishing tactics.
What is the median time for users to fall for a phishing email? Less than 60 seconds. The need for more and continued training is evident.
Higher Education: A Breeding Ground for Cyber Risks
Universities are prime targets for cybercriminals because they often have vast networks and sensitive intellectual property (IP). Research institutions frequently collaborate globally, making them vulnerable to espionage. According to Microsoft’s Cyber Signals report, nation-state attackers—especially from Iran and North Korea—have targeted universities to steal sensitive research data and gain access to defense-related projects.
Other factors making higher education vulnerable include:
- Students using personal devices on university networks with little security awareness.
- Expanding digital infrastructure due to remote learning. This increases potential breach points.
- Diverse campus ecosystems, with open email systems and shared networks across various departments.
In the UK, 43% of higher education institutions reported weekly cyberattacks, underscoring the global nature of the problem.
The Growing Role of Third-Party Vendors
Primary and higher education institutions rely heavily on third-party IT vendors for cloud storage, software, and network services. The report warns that if one vendor is compromised, all institutions using their services could be affected. Additionally, these third-party breaches often go undetected for months.
The balancing act between security and open communication is another challenge. Schools need robust cybersecurity measures, but locking down systems too tightly could hinder learning and collaboration.
Security Awareness Training: A Path to Safer Schools
Despite these risks, the report offers a solution: comprehensive security awareness training. KnowBe4’s Phish Prone Percentage (PPP) study found that in educational institutions:
- 33.4% of small school employees clicked on phishing links before training.
- After 90 days of training, this dropped to 19%.
- After a full year of training, it plummeted to 3.9%.
The data proves that consistent cybersecurity training dramatically reduces human risk.
“Educational institutions must ensure that all individuals accessing IT systems are equipped with the proper tools and awareness to defend against cyber threats,” said Stu Sjouwerman, CEO of KnowBe4.
Cyberattacks on Schools – Please explain as if I’m a 5th grader and also an impatient adult.
A Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call: Like Leaving Your Front Door Wide Open
Imagine a university as a large city with hundreds of unlocked doors. Some people are careful and lock their homes (trained staff), while others leave their doors wide open (untrained users). Cybercriminals act like burglars—always searching for the easiest way in.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This report proves that a bit of cybersecurity training goes a long way. Schools can’t afford to ignore this issue—the digital safety of students and staff is at stake. From cyber insurance to cybersecurity, a more determined approach is needed
Will schools take action, or will they continue to leave the front door open for cybercriminals?
Other News: Ransomware Days = the New Snow Days (Opens in a new browser tab)
