Online learning has the potential to expose students, teachers and entire school systems to cyber threats and unsafe digital environments. Accordingly, cybersecurity in schools remains a growing concern for school leaders, educators and parents as K–12 cybersecurity risks and student data privacy challenges continue to evolve.
Educators are increasingly navigating complex questions about how to protect students, staff and school systems in fully digital or hybrid learning environments. St. Thomas University’s online Master of Science in Educational Leadership program prepares leaders to address cyber threats in education through coursework in digital literacy in schools, policy development and school data security best practices.
What Cybersecurity Threats Do Students Face While in School?
Students can be exposed to inappropriate materials when hackers take control of users’ devices. The prevalent use of social media platforms can also expose students to cyberbullying, while online predators may approach students through these platforms, video games and chat apps.
Inadequate security software and practices give hackers easy access to a school’s network and devices. A single click on a pop-up window or email link could install malware on a student’s device, potentially exposing personal student information.
What About Teachers and Schools?
Teachers face the same cybersecurity threats as students. In addition to the possibility of compromising their personal information, there is an even more critical risk. Exposing a student’s educational record and personal information may constitute a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Stranger danger, however, is not the only threat to online safety in a school setting. With students capable of hacking into teacher computers, educators may experience cyber threats from within the classroom.
These and other vulnerabilities can also expose entire schools and school systems to large-scale cybersecurity threats, including malware or “ransomware.” These attacks have exposed personal data of students and staff and even shut down entire school districts’ digital information and communications systems.
How Can Educators Combat Cyber Threats?
School safety starts with prevention and following established cybersecurity best practices for schools can help reduce exposure to online threats. There are several actions every school and educator can and should take to strengthen security and protect against cyber risks.
- Educators’ best defense against cyber insecurity is education itself. With appropriate cybersecurity awareness training and digital literacy development, school community members can recognize and identify cyber threats and take proactive measures to avoid and mitigate them.
- Ensuring devices, networks and private accounts are password-protected is essential. This means creating complex passwords unique to every account and device, changing passwords regularly and making use of advanced security features like biometric passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Devices should be updated regularly, as software companies are continuously improving security features. Antiviral programs, pop-up blockers and other preventive software can also help bolster device security.
- Because insecure network connections provide hackers a backdoor into devices, accounts and saved information, school networks should be protected to the greatest degree possible. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides advanced encryption, securing information within the network.
- Similar to red teaming in other fields, schools can adopt security training programs to give teachers and students exposure to simulated threats like email phishing scams. Through these exercises, all stakeholders can get better at recognizing, identifying and alerting others to potential threats.
Security and the Use of Innovative Platforms
Cybersecurity is key when selecting the best program for educational purposes. Group videoconferencing platforms are gaining popularity during the pandemic. However, uninvited participants sometimes enter virtual meetings and expose attendees to inappropriate material and images.
To keep their virtual classrooms safe, teachers can take advantage of the security features available in Zoom’s “Education Plan,” for instance. Using these tools, they can password-protect the class meeting, monitor who enters, lock the class once it has begun and manage how students may interact and post content.
Leading Safe Schools in the Digital Age
Addressing cybersecurity risks while navigating the move to online education can be a daunting task. Yet with education, training and constant vigilance on everyone’s part, school leaders can take on the challenge of keeping their online school community safe.
Coursework in St. Thomas University’s online Master of Science in Educational Leadership prepares school leaders to address many of these issues. Program studies delve into topics like educational technology, ethical leadership, communication and law regarding student privacy and information. Educators can use this advanced knowledge to tackle safety concerns in this new era of online education.
Learn more about St. Thomas University’s Master of Science in Educational Leadership online program.
