Recently, a major Australian business experienced a large-scale data breach, putting their customer’s sensitive data at risk and sparking a nationwide response from the federal government. With schools being one of the most common victims of cybercrime, what can be learnt from the recent hack, and how can these learnings improve the cybersecurity precautions schools can take?
The need for cybersecurity precautions
MediSecure recently faced a ransomware data breach, of their clients’ personal and health information. Originating from a third-party vendor, the breach prompted immediate mitigation steps, including website shutdown and coordination with the Australian Digital Health Agency and cybersecurity officials. This incident follows a similar breach at Medibank in 2022, and highlights the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures and stringent third-party risk management for businesses.
In the context of educational institutions, it is essential that robust cybersecurity measures are implemented in order to protect data from identity theft, financial loss, and severe disruptions to the educational process. Below are the 5 most effective cybersecurity precautions to help schools avoid data breach scandals.
1. Enhanced access management
The adoption of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO) offer robust security solutions to safeguard student and staff data, especially when Conditional Access Policies are implemented.
MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorised access.
SSO simplifies the login process by allowing students and teachers to access multiple educational applications with a single set of credentials, enhancing convenience and productivity. SSO also helps streamline onboarding and offboarding of users, which further improves overall identity security.
Conditional Access Policies further strengthen security by enforcing access controls based on specific conditions such as user location, device status, or risk level. For example, a school can ensure that only students using school-approved devices can access certain resources or restrict access to sensitive data from outside the school network.
Together, these technologies are effective cybersecurity precautions. They provide a secure, seamless, and efficient authentication environment and ensure that the school’s digital resources remain protected against evolving cyber threats while providing a smooth user experience for students and staff.
2. Third-party vendor security management
Schools use various third-party vendors for services like student information systems, online learning platforms, and administrative software. It is imperative that these vendors, and the access they have to school data, is well managed.
Regular security assessments
Conducting thorough security assessments of vendors is crucial to ensure they adhere to the stringent cybersecurity standards a school has established. Regular evaluations help identify and mitigate potential risks before they can be exploited by malicious cybercriminals.
Vendor risk management
Implementing a robust vendor risk management program allows schools to continuously monitor and manage the cybersecurity posture of all third-party vendors. This includes vendors complying with the school’s security policies, performing regular audits, and ensuring that vendors have adequate security measures in place.
3. Advanced threat detection and response
Continuous monitoring
In many cases, a school’s internal IT team are not able to scale to meet, and efficiently respond to, different types of cyber attacks. Schools should employ continuous network and system monitoring to detect unusual activities and potential threats early on. This involves using advanced security information and event management (SIEM) systems that provide real-time analysis of security alerts generated by applications and network hardware. Continuous monitoring helps to quickly identify and respond to suspicious activities before they escalate into major incidents. The challenge schools face is they do not have the inhouse capability to effectively manage these SIEM security solutions themselves. By outsourcing this task, schools ensure they have a partner who can scale to meet the issue, while also actively monitoring their systems 24 hours a day.
Cybersecurity Incident response plans
Developing and regularly updating a cybersecurity incident response plan is critical for ensuring quick and efficient handling of any security breaches. The plan should outline the steps to be taken in the event of a data breach, including identifying the breach, containing the damage, eradicating the threat, recovering systems, and communicating with affected parties. Regularly testing and refining the incident response plan through simulated drills ensures that the school is prepared to respond effectively to real-world incidents.
4. Employee training and awareness
Regular training sessions
Human error is often a significant factor in data breaches. Regular cybersecurity training for employees, including teachers, administrative staff, and IT personnel, is essential to keeping them aware of the latest threats and best practices of how to avoid, and respond to, cyberthreats. Training should cover topics such as password management, identifying phishing emails, safe internet browsing, and proper data handling procedures.
Phishing simulations
Phishing attacks are a common method used by cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive information. Implementing phishing simulation programs helps educate employees on how to recognise and respond to phishing attempts. These simulations mimic real-world phishing attacks, allowing employees to practice their skills in a controlled environment. Completing these simulations regularly is like strength training. Each simulation you complete with your team strengthens your school’s cyber resilience, increasing your level of protection each time. Based on the results of these simulations, feedback and additional training can then be provided.
5. Data encryption and access controls
Controlling the access to data is crucial. The most effective approach to data access control is applying Zero Trust strategies. This is a security framework that operates on the principle of ‘never trust, always verify’, meaning that no user or device is trusted by default, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network perimeter. Every access request is thoroughly verified based on multiple factors, including user identity, device security status, and location, before granting access to resources.
Encryption
Encrypting sensitive data both in transit and at rest is a fundamental security measure to protect it from unauthorised access. Schools should ensure that all data, including student records, financial information, and personal details, are encrypted using strong encryption algorithms. This ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed by unauthorised individuals, it remains unreadable and unusable.
Access Controls
Implementing strict access controls involves setting up role-based access controls (RBAC) that grant access permissions based on an individual’s role within the school. Schools should also follow the principle of least privilege, a cybersecurity principle where users are granted the minimum levels of access needed to perform their job functions. This approach limits potential damage in case of a breach by reducing the number of accessible resources an attacker can exploit.
6. Regular security audits and updates
Security Audits
Performing regular security audits and vulnerability assessments is essential for identifying and addressing potential security weaknesses. Schools should conduct comprehensive audits of their IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, applications, and devices. These audits help to uncover vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals and provide actionable insights for improving security measures.
Patch Management
Maintaining an up-to-date patch management system ensures that all software and systems are protected against known vulnerabilities. Schools should implement a patch management policy that includes regularly applying security patches and updates to operating systems, applications, and firmware. Automated patch management tools can help streamline this process and reduce the risk of unpatched vulnerabilities being exploited.
Partners in protection
Today, schools must take a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity to protect their sensitive data and avoid data breaches similar to those currently making the news. By implementing the cybersecurity precautions above, schools can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture and safeguard their precious data.
To ascertain the strength of your school’s cybersecurity, complete our free assessment and gain insight into the steps you could take to further protect your school. NetStrategy is a market leader in IT and cybersecurity for schools, having partnered with hundreds of top educational institutions and safeguarding them, from the inside out. Contact a member of our team to assist your school take the next step in improved security.
