Privacy & Security
Education news, analysis, and opinion about efforts to protect sensitive information and keep students safe online
School Cyberattacks, Explained
Hackers are terrorizing schools with increasingly complex attacks, causing data breaches and more. Here’s what educators need to know.
Special Report
Cyberattacks on Schools
There have been at least 775 publicly disclosed cyber incidents in K-12 schools nationally since 2016. Under normal circumstances, this was a big problem. Now, the coronavirus could make it even bigger.
Special Report
K-12 Cybersecurity
Education Week delves into the nature of the threats facing K-12 systems and the steps they can take to protect themselves. This examination of K-12 cybersecurity is the second of three special reports focused on the needs of K-12 district technology leaders, including chief technology officers.
Special Report
Data
The rising tension between advocates for greater use of data to improve schools and people who are worried about protecting student privacy is one of the most contentious issues in education.
Privacy & Security N.Y. School District's Facial Recognition System Remains on Hold, Lawsuit DismissedA law temporarily barring the use of biometric-based surveillance in New York schools supersedes a lawsuit from the state ACLU chapter.Privacy & Security Spotlight Spotlight on Lessons Learned: Digital SafetyIn this Spotlight, review ways you should be approaching student and system data, discover how others teach digital safety, and more.Privacy & Security Quiz Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Protecting Students During Remote Learning?Quiz Yourself: What should you know about storing video content involving students?Privacy & Security Spotlight Spotlight: Online Student SafetyIn this Spotlight, assess possible digital vulnerabilities, learn how students may be partaking in digital self-harm, and more.
Privacy & Security Hackers Post 26,000 Broward School Files Online After District Doesn't Pay RansomHackers who demanded up to $40 million from the Broward School District have now published nearly 26,000 files stolen from district servers.
Privacy & Security Download Cyberattacks Are on the Rise. Here's How Schools Should Respond (Downloadable Guide)When hackers disrupt a district's network, consequences can be wide-ranging, from unexpected costs to communication challenges.
Privacy & Security Teachers Are Watching Students' Screens During Remote Learning. Is That Invasion of Privacy?The tools help teachers keep remote students on track and pinpoint who needs help. Some parents and students worry about over-surveillance.
Privacy & Security Cyberattacks on Schools Soared During the PandemicThe number of cyberattacks on school districts surged by a whopping 18 percent in calendar year 2020, a new analysis shows.
Privacy & Security Q&A What Educators Should Know About Digital Self-Harm During Hybrid and Remote LearningSome research suggests the phenomenon known as "digital self-harm" is on the rise and schools need to address it more directly.
Privacy & Security Cybersecurity Training for Educators Lagging Behind Rising Risk of CyberattacksAlmost 80 percent of K-12 and college-level educators report using some sort of online learning platform during the pandemic.Privacy & Security Spotlight Spotlight on Cybersecurity 2020In this Spotlight, learn how educators are combatting cyberattacks and more.
Privacy & Security Schools Aren't Doing Enough to Protect Their Networks, Top Cybersecurity Official WarnsThe nation's top cybersecurity official urged schools to take advantage of free federal resources for safeguarding their networks.
Privacy & Security COVID-19 and Cybersecurity: 'Catastrophic Attack on Our Technology Systems'Two large school districts have been rattled in the last week by incidents related to internet security and privacy.
Privacy & Security Using Student Data to Identify Future Criminals: A Privacy DebacleA police department uses sensitive school data to keep a secret list of students it deems as at risk of engaging in criminal behavior.
Privacy & Security Large, Well-Off Suburban Districts Most Likely to Get HackedBigger, wealthier districts make easier targets for hackers, a GAO analysis found.
