BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – Recent months have witnessed a series of cybersecurity breaches impacting educational institutions across Southwest Virginia, highlighting a growing trend that has raised concerns among stakeholders.
Most notably, the Target 7 team reported an ongoing investigation into Appomattox County Public Schools last week, further alarming the community. In September, a data breach was confirmed at Floyd County Public Schools, underscoring the vulnerability of educational systems.
The root causes of these incidents were explored by Virginia Tech Professor Donna Wertalik, a digital privacy expert and co-host of the podcast Voices of Privacy. She emphasized that many schools lack sufficient cybersecurity measures, making them appealing targets for cyber criminals.
The ongoing trend of targeting schools reflects a broader national issue where educational institutions are becoming prime targets for data theft. Wertalik attributed this to financial constraints, budget limitations, and administrative challenges faced by schools in understanding and combating cyber threats. The transition from a focus on education to dealing with online security concerns is a stark reality for many administrators.
In the event of a successful breach, critical information such as social security numbers, health records, and financial details pertaining to students, staff, and parents become vulnerable. Cyber attackers may utilize the stolen data for nefarious purposes, including selling it on the dark web or demanding ransom payments, as described by Wertalik, who noted the extensive reach of such cyber threats from various global sources.
The increasing use of mobile devices and social media among students further complicates the scenario. Wertalik pointed out that while schools may track online activity within their networks, students’ phones provide additional access points, increasing the risk of exploitation.
To mitigate the risks associated with these security issues, Wertalik advises parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities. Additionally, parents can request schools to maintain confidential records for their children, thereby limiting access to sensitive data.
For schools and parents seeking guidance on cybersecurity, a variety of free resources are available through voicesofprivacy.com, which aims to bolster knowledge and practices in safeguarding sensitive information.
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