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.
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.
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:
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.
The study found that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting schools with:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!