Report: 82% of K-12 Schools Recently Experienced a Cyber Incident

Summary: A report by the Center for Internet Security reveals that 82% of K-12 schools experienced cyber incidents from July 2023 to December 2024, with over 9,300 confirmed incidents across approximately 5,000 institutions. The most common threats include ransomware, phishing, and data breaches, significantly disrupting educational services. The report emphasizes the need for schools to enhance cybersecurity measures due to their vulnerability and the increasing complexity of cyber threats targeting human elements.

Affected: K-12 Schools

Keypoints :

• 82% of K-12 schools faced cyber incidents within an 18-month period.
• Top threats include ransomware, phishing, data breaches, and denial-of-service attacks.
• Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting human vulnerabilities rather than just technical weaknesses.
• Disruptions from cyberattacks can affect critical school functions such as meal services and special education.
• The demand for cybersecurity funding is high, with schools seeking significant financial support for defenses.
• Enhancing cybersecurity through proactive measures and partnerships is essential for resilience against evolving threats.