In the "2025 CIS MS-ISAC K-12 Cybersecurity Report: Where Education Meets Community Resilience," the results from an analysis of more than 5,000 K-12 organizations between July 2023 and December 2024 were published. It shows that K-12 schools are prime targets of cyber attacks.
In this blog, we explore the risks that schools are facing and what they can overcome these challenges.
Understanding Cybersecurity Threats Specific to Schools
Schools provide a unique range of services—education, meal programs, safe spaces, extracurriculars, and social services. Cybercriminals exploit this dependency, knowing that disruptions will cause chaos and force quick responses.
The Alarming Statistics
In this report, more than 5,000 K-12 institutions were studied over 18 months (July 2023 through December 2024), and the findings are eye-opening:
- 82% of reporting K-12 schools experienced cyber threat impacts.
- Nearly 14,000 security events were observed.
- More than 9,300 confirmed cyber incidents occurred.
These numbers demonstrate that schools are prime targets for cybercriminals, and the consequences extend beyond data loss. Attacks disrupt meals, force closures, and prevent students from accessing crucial services like special education and counseling.
Top Threats Schools Face
The study found that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting schools with:
- Ransomware Attacks: Malicious software locks school systems, demanding payment to regain access, often peaking during critical periods like exams.
- Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: Cybercriminals overwhelm school networks, making online resources inaccessible.
- Malvertisement: Malicious software, often disguised in seemingly harmless ads, infiltrates school networks and steals information.
- Phishing and Social Engineering: Cybercriminals trick staff into revealing login credentials by posing as trusted sources.
- Data Breaches: Sensitive student and staff data is stolen, leading to identity theft or leaks of personal information.
Unlike businesses with dedicated information security teams, schools often lack adequate funding and expertise. Additionally, school environments promote collaboration and openness, making it easier for cybercriminals to exploit human trust.
Collaborating for a Safer Future
Cybersecurity is more than an IT issue—it’s a community-wide effort. The report highlights that schools with partnerships in place recover faster and experience less disruption. By working with an experienced vendor who utilizes MS-ISAC tools, schools gain access to:
- No-cost incident response services to handle cyber threats.
- Threat intelligence sharing to stay ahead of emerging dangers.
- Cybersecurity frameworks to strengthen defenses, enabling cybersecurity budgets to go further.
Cybersecurity is Community Security
The evolving threat landscape makes it clear: cybersecurity is essential for K-12 organizations of all sizes.
Cyber attacks on K-12 institutions disrupt learning, compromise sensitive data, and place undue stress on educators, students, and families. However, with the right strategies in place, schools can build resilience against these threats.
Schools that prioritize fostering environments where staff and faculty are empowered to be a key element of their cybersecurity defenses, equipping them with more than just security awareness training—through proactive cyber defense measures and strong partnerships—create a more resilient and adaptive security culture that can more effectively defend against evolving cyber threats.
Empowering the Human Element
K-12 organizations can achieve stronger cybersecurity by fostering a culture of cyber empowerment. This means ensuring that every individual, from administrators to substitute teachers, understands their role in protecting the school community and feels valued for their contributions.
When leadership actively promotes security as a shared responsibility, schools create a more resilient and engaged defense against cyber threats.
Sourcepass GOV and MS-ISAC Tools
At Sourcepass GOV, we understand the critical importance of cybersecurity for K-12 institutions. We work closely with our clients to provide comprehensive service offerings that include the latest MS-ISAC tools available for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) organizations. These tools, combined with our advisory services, ensure that schools are equipped to handle cyber threats effectively and maintain a secure environment for students and staff.
By leveraging MS-ISAC's incident response services, threat intelligence sharing, and cybersecurity frameworks, Sourcepass GOV helps schools build robust defenses and stay ahead of evolving threats. Together, we create a safer, more resilient educational environment for all.
Want to Learn More? Sourcepass GOV Can Help!
Sourcepass GOV works with our clients and MS-ISAC advisory for a comprehensive service offering to see how we can help improve your cybersecurity posture and help keep you safe. Contact Sourcepass today!
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