Cybersecurity Threats Targeting Schools and Universities: A Look at the Latest Data

In a world where technology is advancing at a rapid pace, schools and universities are finding themselves at the forefront of cybercriminals’ agendas. According to the latest report from Check Point Research, the Education sector has been the most targeted industry for cyberattacks in 2024, with an alarming increase of 37% compared to the previous year.

The data reveals that the APAC region has seen the most cyberattacks against educational organizations, with an average of 6,002 attacks per week. However, North America experienced the highest year-over-year increase, with a staggering 127% rise in cyberattacks.

India emerges as the most targeted country in the Education sector, with 6,874 weekly attacks per organization, representing a 97% increase from the previous year. This surge in attacks can be attributed to the rapid adoption of remote learning and the ongoing digitization of education, creating lucrative opportunities for cybercriminals to steal personally identifiable information (PII) for financial gain.

The proliferation of online learning platforms has further exacerbated cyber risks, as schools and universities often lack sufficient cybersecurity measures to protect their networks. The diverse groups involved in educational networks, including students, teachers, parents, and educational professionals, provide multiple weak points for malware insertion and unauthorized access to sensitive data.

As the new school year approaches, Check Point Research has observed a rise in phishing campaigns targeting educational institutions. With 12,234 new domains created related to schools and education, 1 in every 45 domains were found to be malicious or suspicious.

Ram Narayanan, Country Manager at Check Point Software Technologies, Middle East, emphasizes the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures and heightened awareness within educational institutions to safeguard sensitive data and maintain operational integrity. With cybercriminals increasingly targeting schools and universities, it is imperative for the Education sector to prioritize cybersecurity to protect their valuable data and ensure a safe learning environment for all.