Keeping Students Safe from Cyber Threats in the Digital Age
- Jun
- 01
Protecting Your Students from Cybercrime
An audit by the National Cyber Security Centre found that cyber incidents have affected over three-quarters (78%) of UK schools. Because of the increased use of technology, students are much more susceptible to cyberattacks today than ever before. In fact, 60% of children around the world between the ages of eight and 12 are exposed to various cyber risks online.
That equates to 12M children exposed to cyber risks.
At the beginning of 2023, confidential data from 14 different schools in the UK, was leaked online after the schools refused to pay the hackers’ demands. The leaked data included children’s SEN information and pupil passport scans. The education sector continues to be heavily targeted by ransomware. A 2022 report revealed that 56% of lower education institutions and 64% of higher education bodies worldwide had experienced a ransomware attack in the past year. Fortunately, there are some things schools can do to protect students from cybercrime.
Cybercrime Prevention Tips Schools Can Use
Monitor Their Apps and Services: Many students become targets of cyberattacks through the apps they use. Ensure your students only use the apps and services provided to them by the school. Have a conversation with them about the importance of protecting themselves when using apps on their home devices.
Make Privacy a Priority: In a world where people post everything about themselves online, it’s critical to talk with students about their personal privacy and how they can protect themselves against threats. Schools should also consider their own data and security policies to ensure their students’ information is kept safe.
Keep Mental Health Top of Mind: Emerging technologies can be exciting, but students should take them in stride. It’s important that students balance their use of technology with other things that are important to them. New technologies can provide an opportunity for both students and adults to learn and implement new safety, privacy, and security protocols.
Talk to Students About the Future of Technology: New technology, such as AI, can offer new ways to identify and solve problems. While it won’t ever replace human moderators, it can be an additional means of support for cyber safety. Educating students early on about the benefits of this technology and helping them find ways to tap into peer support will allow them to feel more secure.
Remind Students to Check if It’s Real: It’s easy for people to hide behind their computers and target students online. Remind your students how to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s not. Teach them the suspicious language and activities to watch for so they don’t get tricked into clicking into something that will put them at risk.
Achieving the Highest Level of Security in Schools in the World
Implementing the world’s most advanced security in schools is another big step in keeping students safer in the classroom. With best-in-class privacy and security capabilities, Google for Education offers a first line of defence against online threats.
Here’s a look at how Google protects the digital safety of students around the world:
- Every day, 74 million users get help from Google’s Password Manager.
- Every day, 100 million phishing attempts are blocked by Gmail.
- Every week, 30,000 unsafe websites are identified by Google.
- Every year, 700 million users strengthen their security with Security Checkup.
There have also been zero reported ransomware attacks ever on any educational ChromeOS device.
Chrome Education Upgrade Helps Schools Ensure Students’ Safety
Chrome Education Upgrade is a tool many schools are embracing to help them keep students safe. With easy device management and the latest built-in security, this upgrade is helping provide students with the technology they need to embrace education without the risk of a cyberattack.
By implementing the right technology and openly communicating the importance of security and privacy to students, schools can arm their children with the knowledge and defence they need to stay safe.
Be Internet Legends
Created to help children be safe and confident explorers of the online world. Students can make smart
decisions that allow them to use the web safely and wisely.
