Cybersecurity

Explainer

School Cyberattacks, Explained
Hackers are terrorizing schools with increasingly complex attacks, causing data breaches and more. Here’s what educators need to know.
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Gloved hand reaching into a laptop screen hacking someone's account.
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Privacy & Security Q&A Why Teachers Need to Take Cybersecurity Seriously
Cyberattacks are becoming more common in schools.
Lauraine Langreo, June 30, 2025
3 min read
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Privacy & Security Tech Glitch Could Have Exposed Thousands of School Districts' Confidential Files
The incident shows the challenges school districts and education companies face in protecting sensitive data.
Lauraine Langreo, June 18, 2025
3 min read
The New York Stock Exchange is decorated on July 28, 2021 for the first day of public trading of the cloud-based educational software maker, PowerSchool.
The New York Stock Exchange is decorated on July 28, 2021, on the first day of public trading of the cloud-based educational software maker, PowerSchool.
Richard B. Levine/Alamy
Privacy & Security PowerSchool Paid a Hacker's Ransom. Now Cyber Criminals Are Threatening Schools
More extortion attempts are possible, and districts affected by the data breach should be prepared.
4 min read
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Privacy & Security 4 Things to Know About School Cybersecurity and Trump Funding Cuts
Schools stand to lose significant cybersecurity support as the Trump administration and DOGE slash and rearrange the federal government.
4 min read
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Privacy & Security Could Trump Budget Cuts Lead to More Cyberattacks Against Schools?
Schools stand to lose vital cybersecurity support as the Education Department is forced to suspend a cybersecurity initiative.
10 min read
Blue Illustration of an open laptop displaying a badge and lock icon.
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Privacy & Security Schools Face an Uphill Battle in Protecting Student Data in the Age of AI
A report from the Consortium for School Networking examines the state of districts' student data privacy practices.
Lauraine Langreo, March 25, 2025
3 min read
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Privacy & Security Q&A Close to a 'Worst-Case Scenario': Cybersecurity Expert Discusses PowerSchool's Data Breach
The PowerSchool data breach is the latest in a series of high-profile cybersecurity incidents with K-12 vendors from the past few years.
Lauraine Langreo, January 14, 2025
5 min read
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Privacy & Security What Schools Should Know About the PowerSchool Data Breach
The company this week notified districts of a hack that occurred Dec. 28.
Caitlynn Peetz, January 9, 2025
6 min read
Image of students using laptops in the classroom.
E+
Classroom Technology What's In, What's Out for AI, Cellphones, Cybersecurity, and Other Ed-Tech Stuff
Education technology changes quickly, and so do the trends that define how educators and students use it. What's ahead for 2025?
1 min read
Illustrations of man be scammed online with fishing line.
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Privacy & Security Districts Flood FCC With Requests for New Cybersecurity Funds
The demand comes as the education sector's risk for cyberattacks continues to rise.
Lauraine Langreo, December 3, 2024
4 min read
Dollar Sign Made of Circuit Board on Motherboard and CPU.
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IT Infrastructure & Management Cybersecurity Demands Are Growing. Funding Isn't Keeping Pace
State education leaders worry funding for cybersecurity isn’t enough to cope with the worsening problem of attacks on schools.
Alyson Klein, September 11, 2024
2 min read
Dollar Sign Made of Circuit Board on Motherboard and CPU.
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IT Infrastructure & Management FCC Pilot Program to Help Schools Fight 'Real and Growing' Cyberattacks
School districts and libraries can soon seek new federal grants to protect against the cyberattacks.
Alyson Klein, June 6, 2024
4 min read
A cybersecurity icon over a computer classroom seen through a screen of binary code.
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IT Infrastructure & Management It's Not Just About AI. Schools Are Facing 5 Other Tech Challenges, Too
In addition to the use of AI in education, schools must pay attention to several big tech challenges.
4 min read