Cybersecurity

Explainer

School Cyberattacks, Explained
Hackers are terrorizing schools with increasingly complex attacks, causing data breaches and more. Here’s what educators need to know.
Art teacher Lindsay Johnson, second from left, teaches students how to use AI to ask Canva for help during a summer class at Roosevelt Middle School on June 25, 2025, in River Forest, Ill.
Art teacher Lindsay Johnson, second from left, teaches students how to use AI to ask Canva for help during a summer class at Roosevelt Middle School on June 25, 2025, in River Forest, Ill. Dealing with artificial intelligence issues in education is the top priority for state education leaders for the first time, according to an annual survey.
Nam Y. Huh/AP
Artificial Intelligence We’re Entering a New Phase of AI in Schools. How Are States Responding?
Artificial intelligence topped the list of state technology officials’ priorities for the first time in an annual survey.
Alyson Klein, September 10, 2025
2 min read
Conceptual of interface security and banking/finance information technology. Vector illustration.
iStock/Getty
Privacy & Security Cyberattacks Are a Big Problem. Can Schools Manage Without Federal Help?
The Trump administration has rolled back federal resources to prevent, and respond to, attacks.
Alyson Klein, September 9, 2025
5 min read
Privacy & Security Video How to Respond to a Cyberattack
Here are practical tips for districts after they experience a hack.
1 min read
Privacy & Security Video How Schools Can Prevent a Cyberattack
When a cyberattack happens, schools can lose instructional time, as well as thousands of dollars responding to it.
1 min read
Illustration of thief peeking out of computer.
DigitalVision Vectors
Privacy & Security AI Fuels Increase in Ransomware Attacks Against Schools
Experts recommend specific steps schools should take to prevent future attacks.
Lauraine Langreo, August 7, 2025
3 min read
Gloved hand reaching into a laptop screen hacking someone's account.
iStock/Getty Images Plus
Privacy & Security Q&A Why Teachers Need to Take Cybersecurity Seriously
Cyberattacks are becoming more common in schools.
Lauraine Langreo, June 30, 2025
3 min read
Eye of the hacker in a keyhole . Spyware, hacking, cybercrime concept. Vector illustration.
DigitalVision Vectors/Getty
Privacy & Security Tech Glitch Could Have Exposed Thousands of School Districts' Confidential Files
The incident shows the challenges school districts and education companies face in protecting sensitive data.
Lauraine Langreo, June 18, 2025
3 min read
The New York Stock Exchange is decorated on July 28, 2021 for the first day of public trading of the cloud-based educational software maker, PowerSchool.
The New York Stock Exchange is decorated on July 28, 2021, on the first day of public trading of the cloud-based educational software maker, PowerSchool.
Richard B. Levine/Alamy
Privacy & Security PowerSchool Paid a Hacker's Ransom. Now Cyber Criminals Are Threatening Schools
More extortion attempts are possible, and districts affected by the data breach should be prepared.
4 min read
uturistic digital technological background with hexagonal elements, yellow glowing warning signs and binary code. Encryption your data. Big data security. Safe your data. Cyber internet security and privacy concept.
iStock/Getty
Privacy & Security 4 Things to Know About School Cybersecurity and Trump Funding Cuts
Schools stand to lose significant cybersecurity support as the Trump administration and DOGE slash and rearrange the federal government.
4 min read
Illustration of setting computer security settings. Vector illustration of computer privacy management.
iStock/Getty
Privacy & Security Could Trump Budget Cuts Lead to More Cyberattacks Against Schools?
Schools stand to lose vital cybersecurity support as the Education Department is forced to suspend a cybersecurity initiative.
10 min read
Blue Illustration of an open laptop displaying a badge and lock icon.
iStock/Getty
Privacy & Security Schools Face an Uphill Battle in Protecting Student Data in the Age of AI
A report from the Consortium for School Networking examines the state of districts' student data privacy practices.
Lauraine Langreo, March 25, 2025
3 min read
Vector illustration of hacker's hands sticking out from computer monitor and typing on a keyboard.
DigitalVision Vectors
Privacy & Security Q&A Close to a 'Worst-Case Scenario': Cybersecurity Expert Discusses PowerSchool's Data Breach
The PowerSchool data breach is the latest in a series of high-profile cybersecurity incidents with K-12 vendors from the past few years.
Lauraine Langreo, January 14, 2025
5 min read
Data security and privacy concept. Visualization of personal or business information safety.
iStock/Getty Images Plus
Privacy & Security What Schools Should Know About the PowerSchool Data Breach
The company this week notified districts of a hack that occurred Dec. 28.
Caitlynn Peetz Stephens, January 9, 2025
6 min read
Image of students using laptops in the classroom.
E+
Classroom Technology What's In, What's Out for AI, Cellphones, Cybersecurity, and Other Ed-Tech Stuff
Education technology changes quickly, and so do the trends that define how educators and students use it. What's ahead for 2025?
1 min read