INTO THE BREACH

K-12 school districts rely on secure digital infrastructures to support their communities. Yet, the rise in cyberattacks on these institutions threaten not only the immediate operations of these schools but also the shared mission of fostering learning and discovery for the greater good.

K-12 schools, essential centers for learning and development, are increasingly reliant on secure digital infrastructures to support their educational missions. However, the rise in cyberattacks targeting these institutions poses significant threats to their operations and the broader goal of fostering education.

Increase in Cyberattacks:

• In 2023, K-12 schools experienced a 92% increase in known ransomware attacks compared to the previous year, marking the worst year on record for the education sector. (THE Journal)

Financial Impact:

• The average cost of downtime resulting from ransomware attacks in the education sector was estimated at $548,185 per day in 2023, highlighting the substantial financial risks associated with such incidents. (K12 Dive)

Prevalence of Ransomware:

• At least 108 K-12 districts were impacted by ransomware in 2023, more than double the 45 that were affected in 2022. (Emsisoft)

Data Compromise:

• In 2023, nearly half of the ransomware attacks targeting K-12 institutions involved data theft, underscoring the vulnerability of sensitive student and staff information. (THE Journal)

Institutional Challenges: A report revealed that 81% of K-12 districts identified insufficient funding as their top cybersecurity concern, followed by the increasing sophistication of threats (59%) and a lack of documented cybersecurity processes (58%).